Tombeau pour Marais le Cadet

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, historical sounds of the Baroque era with "Tombeau pour Marais le Cadet," a meticulously crafted album featuring the works of the renowned French composer Marin Marais. Released on January 26, 2021, this collection showcases a selection of Marais' suites from his Deuxième and Cinquième Livres, performed with exquisite precision by Les Folies Consort under the direction of Leonardo Luckert.

The album spans a full hour of enchanting music, divided into two main suites: the Suite en ré mineur from the Deuxième Livre and the Suite en sol mineur from the Cinquième Livre. Each suite is a journey through the dance forms and musical styles of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, featuring pieces such as the Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue, and Menuet, among others. The performances are marked by their historical authenticity and technical virtuosity, bringing Marais' compositions to life with clarity and depth.

Highlights of the album include the intricate "Tombeau pour Marais Le Cadet" (V-71), a poignant tribute to Marais' nephew, and the lively "Rondeau Le Badin" (V-72), which showcases the composer's skill in crafting memorable, dance-like melodies. The album also features unique pieces such as "La Polonoise" (II-40) and "La Georgienne La Maupertuy" (V-73), offering a glimpse into the diverse influences that shaped Marais' musical language.

"Tombeau pour Marais le Cadet" is a testament to the enduring appeal of Marin Marais' music, as well as the dedication of Les Folies Consort in preserving and performing this important repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a captivating introduction to the world of Baroque chamber music.

26 januari 2021

2021 DSP

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.