Marin Marais

Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque music with "Le Manuscrit Retrouvé," a captivating album featuring the timeless compositions of Marin Marais. This exquisite collection, released on January 26, 2024, by the prestigious French label L'encelade, showcases 13 tracks that span a duration of 56 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that transport listeners to the elegance of the 17th century.

Marin Marais, a renowned French composer and viol player, was a pupil of the legendary Jean-Baptiste Lully and Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe. His works, characterized by their intricate melodies and profound expressiveness, have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. This album, performed by the talented Noémie Lenhof, brings Marais' masterpieces to life with stunning clarity and depth.

The album features a diverse range of pieces, including the elegant "Manuscrit Panmure: Allemande in D Minor," the lively "Manuscrit Panmure: Courante in D Minor," and the hauntingly beautiful "Tombeau pour Mr de Sainte-Colombe." Each track is a testament to Marais' genius, showcasing his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.

"Le Manuscrit Retrouvé" is not just an album; it is an experience. The meticulous attention to detail in both the composition and performance ensures that every note resonates with authenticity and grace. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Marin Marais and discover the timeless beauty of his compositions.

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.