Marin Marais: Pièces de viole, Livre I

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Marin Marais with his seminal work, "Pièces de viole, Livre I." Released on November 26, 2021, this expansive collection spans nearly two and a half hours, offering a deep dive into the masterful compositions of one of the French Baroque's most influential figures. Marin Marais, renowned for his virtuosity on the viola da gamba, his innovative compositions, and his pedagogical contributions, presents a suite of pieces that showcase his unparalleled skill and artistic vision.

This album, meticulously performed by Atsushi Sakaï, Christophe Rousset, and Marion Martineau, features a diverse array of suites in various keys and configurations, from solo viol and continuo to duets with two viols. Each suite is a journey through the baroque dance forms of the era, including préludes, allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, gigues, menuets, and more. The intricate interplay between the instruments and the nuanced performances bring Marais' compositions to life, highlighting the composer's unique style and technical prowess.

"Pièces de viole, Livre I" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a testament to Marin Marais' enduring legacy and his significant impact on the development of French Baroque music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating exploration of one of the most important musical voices of the 17th century. The detailed and expressive performances on this recording provide a profound appreciation for the artistry and innovation of Marin Marais, making it an essential addition to any music lover's collection.

November 26, 2021

2021 Little Tribeca

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.