Marais: Tombeau pour Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe

Album Description

Dive into the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Marin Marais' "Tombeau pour Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe," a captivating collection of compositions that showcase the master's virtuosity and deep respect for his mentor. Released on August 30, 2024, via Harmonia Mundi, this album is a testament to Marais' genius, featuring pieces from his Second Book of Pieces for the Viola da Gamba, published in 1701.

The album opens with a suite in E minor, offering a glimpse into Marais' intricate and expressive style. The centerpiece, "Tombeau pour Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe," is a poignant tribute to his teacher, Sainte-Colombe, filled with profound melancholy and admiration. This piece, along with others like "Chaconne en rondeau" and "Couplets de Folies," demonstrates Marais' ability to blend technical brilliance with heartfelt emotion.

Throughout the album, Marais pays homage to his influences and friends, such as Robert de Visée, while also pushing the boundaries of the viola da gamba's capabilities. The suite in D minor, featuring pieces like "La Polonoise" and "Cloches ou Carillon," highlights his innovative approach to composition and performance.

"Tombeau pour Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it's a historical journey through the Baroque era, offering insights into the life and influences of one of its most celebrated composers. With a duration of 66 minutes, this album is a perfect addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, providing a deep and engaging exploration of Marin Marais' artistry.

August 30, 2024

2024 harmonia mundi

2024 harmonia mundi / La Rêveuse

About Marin Marais

Marin Marais, born in Paris in 1656, was a virtuoso viol player and a prolific composer whose works have left an indelible mark on the Baroque music landscape. His journey began under the tutelage of the renowned Jean-Baptiste Lully and the enigmatic Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, from whom he absorbed the nuances of the viol. Marais' career flourished at the royal court of Versailles, where he was appointed as a court musician in 1676 and later as ordinaire de la chambre du roy pour la viole in 1679, a position he held until 1725.

Marais' compositions are a testament to his mastery of the viol, with five books of Pièces de viole that showcase his technical prowess and emotional depth. Beyond his viol works, he also composed four operas and various instrumental and vocal pieces, demonstrating his versatility as a composer. His music is notable for its balance between the harmonic idioms of the past and the innovations of his time, making it as relevant today as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. Marais' legacy extends beyond the concert hall, with his life and music gaining wider recognition through cinematic portrayals, further cementing his status as a central figure in the French school of viol playing.