Marin Marais: Pièces de violes Cinquième livre

Album Description

Dive into the rich and intricate world of Baroque music with Marin Marais' "Pièces de violes Cinquième livre," a captivating collection of suites that showcase the composer's mastery of the viola da gamba. Released on April 22, 2016, under the Daphne Records label, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Marais' fifth book of pieces for the viola da gamba, originally published in Paris in 1725. Spanning 57 minutes, the album features 25 tracks that span three suites in different keys, each composed of multiple movements that highlight the expressive range and technical virtuosity of the instrument.

Marin Marais, a renowned French composer and viola da gamba player, was celebrated for his innovative and evocative compositions. This album, performed by Leif Henrikson and Lars-Erik Larsson, brings Marais' music to life with precision and passion. The suites are structured in the traditional Baroque dance suite format, featuring a variety of movements such as preludes, allemandes, sarabandes, gigues, and menuets, each with its unique character and charm.

The album begins with the Suite in E Minor, a haunting and introspective collection of pieces that set the stage for the more lively and energetic suites that follow. The Suite in G Major is a standout, featuring the lively "Gavotte" and the intricate "Chaconne," showcasing the performers' technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The Suite in G Minor concludes the album with a sense of contemplation and reflection, culminating in the playful "Rondeau le Badin."

Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Pièces de violes Cinquième livre" offers a rewarding listening experience. The album's high-quality recording, available in 24-Bit/96 kHz Stereo, ensures that every nuance of Marais' compositions is captured, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and complexity of his music. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Baroque music with this exquisite collection of suites by Marin Marais.

April 22, 2016

2016 Daphne Records

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.