Marin Marais: Pièces de viole

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque chamber music with Marin Marais' "Pièces de viole." This exquisite collection, released on January 12, 2018, under the Mirare label, offers a captivating journey through the masterful compositions of one of France's most renowned viol players and composers. Marin Marais, a student of the legendary Jean-Baptiste Lully, brings his unique musical vision to life in this album, which spans a total of 1 hour and 3 minutes.

"Pièces de viole" showcases a selection of Marais' most celebrated works, including pieces from his "Pièces de viole, Troisième livre" and "Pièces de viole, Cinquième livre." The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the delicate "Prélude" to the lively "Le Jeu du Volant" and the charming "Le Petit Badinage." Each piece is performed with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the intricate melodies and harmonies that define Marais' distinctive style.

Marais' compositions are known for their expressive and evocative qualities, often inspired by the natural world and everyday experiences. This album is no exception, with tracks like "Le Rondeau Villeneuve" and "La Biscayenne" transporting listeners to the vibrant landscapes and lively scenes of 17th-century France. Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Pièces de viole" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the timeless beauty of Marin Marais' music.

12 januari 2018

2017 Mirare

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.