Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of baroque chamber music with Hopkinson Smith's "Musique pour la chambre du Roy." Released in 1999 on the naïve classique label, this album is a meticulously crafted collection of 41 tracks, spanning a rich 1 hour and 44 minutes of enchanting melodies. Smith, a renowned lutenist and guitarist, brings to life the intricate compositions of Robert de Visée and other baroque masters, showcasing his virtuosity and deep understanding of the period's musical nuances.
The album is a journey through various suites and pieces, each offering a unique blend of elegance and sophistication. From the lively "Prélude" and "Allemande" to the graceful "Courante" and "Sarabande," Smith's performance is nothing short of captivating. The inclusion of pieces like "La plainte ou tombeau de Mesdemoiselles de Visée" and "Les Sylvains de Mr. Couperin" adds a touch of historical significance, making this album not just a musical experience but also a glimpse into the past.
Hopkinson Smith's mastery of the theorbo and viola da gamba is evident in every note, as he navigates the complex rhythms and harmonies with remarkable precision. The album's genres, medieval and chamber music, are beautifully intertwined, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of baroque music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Musique pour la chambre du Roy" is an album that promises to delight and inspire. Hopkinson Smith's exceptional skill and the album's rich historical context make it a standout addition to any music collection.
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Tracks
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 1, PréludeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 2, AllemandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 3, CouranteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 4, GavotteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 5, SarabandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 6, GigueRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 1, PréludeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 1, La plainte ou tombeau de Mesdemoiselles de Visée, Allemande de Mr leur pèreRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 2, CouranteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 3, SarabandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 4, GigueRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Musette en rondeauRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 1, PréludeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 2, AllemandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 3, CouranteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 4, GavotteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 5, MenuetRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 6, SarabandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 7, GigueRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Entrée des espagnols de Mr de LullyRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Les Sylvains de Mr. CouperinRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 1, PréludeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 2, AllemandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 3, CouranteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 4, SarabandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 5, GigueLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 6, GavotteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 7, MenuetLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 8, GavotteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 9, MenüetLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 1, AllemandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 2, CouranteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 3, SarabandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 4, GigueLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 5, GavotteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 1, PréludeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 2, AllemandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 3, CouranteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 4, SarabandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 5, GigueLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 6, ChaconneLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Hopkinson Smith is a renowned Swiss-American lutenist and pedagogue, celebrated for his mastery of early plucked instruments. Born in New York City in 1946, Smith has made Basel, Switzerland, his longtime residence, where he has dedicated his career to the performance and teaching of medieval and chamber music. With a distinguished background that includes graduating from Harvard with Honors in Music, Smith's expertise spans the vihuela, Renaissance lute, theorbo, and various other historical instruments. His discography and performances offer a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of early music, making him a beloved figure among enthusiasts of classical and historical music.
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Hopkinson Smith
