Marin Marais: Pièces de viole des Cinq Livres

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Baroque music with Marin Marais' masterful "Pièces de viole des Cinq Livres." This expansive collection, released on September 27, 2011, by Alia Vox, spans nearly two and a half hours and features 83 meticulously crafted tracks. Marin Marais, a virtuoso of the viol, presents a journey through his most celebrated works, composed between 1686 and 1725.

The album is a testament to Marais' genius, showcasing his unparalleled skill and innovation on the viol. Each piece is a delicate blend of technical brilliance and profound musicality, reflecting the composer's deep understanding of the instrument and its expressive capabilities. From the elegant suites to the haunting tombeaux, every track offers a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Performed by the esteemed Jordi Savall, Hopkinson Smith, and Ton Koopman, this recording brings Marais' compositions to life with authenticity and passion. The trio's mastery of Baroque performance practices ensures that each note resonates with historical accuracy and emotional depth. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is an essential addition to your collection, offering a comprehensive exploration of one of the Baroque era's most influential composers.

"Pièces de viole des Cinq Livres" is not just a compilation of Marais' works; it is a celebration of his enduring legacy. The album's diverse range of pieces, from lively dances to contemplative preludes, highlights Marais' versatility and his significant contributions to the development of the viol repertoire. This recording is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Baroque music and the timeless artistry of Marin Marais.

September 27, 2011

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.