Marchand: Oeuvres pour clavier

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Baroque music with Louis Marchand's "Oeuvres pour clavier," a captivating collection of keyboard works that showcase the composer's mastery and innovation. Released in the year 2000 by the esteemed label HORTUS, this album is a treasure trove of 34 meticulously crafted pieces, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes.

Louis Marchand, a renowned French composer and organist of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, presents a stunning array of compositions that highlight his virtuosic skills and deep understanding of the keyboard instruments of his time. The album features a mix of harpsichord and organ works, including suites, preludes, and fugues, each piece demonstrating Marchand's unique voice and technical prowess.

The album is divided into two main sections: the "Pièces de clavecin" and the "Pièces d'orgue." The harpsichord works include the "Livre premier" and "Livre second," each containing suites in various keys, such as the striking "Suite en Ré Mineur" and the introspective "Suite en Sol Mineur." These suites are composed of traditional dance movements like the Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, and Gigue, as well as more intricate pieces like the Chaconne and Gavotte Rondeau.

The organ works, on the other hand, are equally impressive, featuring the "Livre premier" with suites in different tones, including the powerful "Plein jeu" and the delicate "Quatuor." Additionally, the album includes several transcriptions by Freddy Eichelberger, who has skillfully adapted some of Marchand's harpsichord works for the organ, providing a unique perspective on the composer's music.

Performed by the talented Laurent Stewart, this album is a testament to Marchand's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the Baroque repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Oeuvres pour clavier" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Baroque keyboard music.

1 januari 2000

2000 HORTUS

About Louis Marchand

Louis Marchand, born in Lyon in 1669, was a French Baroque organist, harpsichordist, and composer, renowned for his virtuosity and flamboyant personality. Born into a family of organists, Marchand quickly rose to fame as a child prodigy, captivating audiences with his extraordinary talent. He served as an organist in numerous churches and even held the prestigious position of one of the four organistes du roy at the French court. Marchand's fiery temperament and arrogant demeanor often landed him in the midst of scandals, making him a controversial yet fascinating figure in the music scene. Despite his tumultuous personal life, his musical prowess earned him the admiration of King Louis XIV and the French public alike. Marchand's compositions, though few survive today, include notable works like the organ pieces "Grand dialogue" and "Fond d'orgue," which are celebrated as masterpieces of the French organ school. His life took a dramatic turn when he famously avoided a musical contest with Johann Sebastian Bach in Dresden, adding another layer of intrigue to his already legendary status. Marchand's legacy endures, not just for his musical genius, but also for the dramatic and captivating story of his life.