Voix humaines. Marais: Pièces inédites pour flûte

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque music with "Voix humaines. Marais: Pièces inédites pour flûte," a captivating collection of newly discovered flute pieces by the renowned Marin Marais. This album, set for release on March 21, 2025, via Alpha Classics, offers a unique perspective on Marais' compositional genius, showcasing his mastery beyond his famous works for the viole de gambe.

Spanning a delightful 70 minutes, the album features 29 tracks that span various suites and standalone pieces, each brimming with the elegance and intricacy characteristic of Marais' style. From the lively "La Polonoise" to the graceful "La gratieuse Sarabande," every track is a testament to Marais' ability to evoke a range of moods and atmospheres through his music.

Performed by the talented ensemble Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien, under the direction of François Lazarevitch, this recording promises an authentic and immersive experience. The ensemble's expertise and dedication to historical performance practices ensure that Marais' music is presented in all its original splendor.

Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Voix humaines. Marais: Pièces inédites pour flûte" is sure to captivate and inspire. This album is a rare opportunity to explore the lesser-known side of Marin Marais, making it a valuable addition to any music lover's collection.

March 21, 2025

2025 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France

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.