De Visée: La musique de la chambre du roy

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of 17th-century French royal music with "De Visée: La musique de la chambre du roy" by Robert de Visée. This exquisite collection, released on Brilliant Classics, spans four discs and over an hour and a half of meticulously crafted compositions, offering a rare glimpse into the intimate musical world of the French court.

Robert de Visée, a renowned lutenist and guitarist, served as a musician in the court of Louis XIV, and this album showcases his mastery of the lute and theorbo. The tracks are organized into suites, each a journey through the dances and styles of the Baroque era. From the stately Allemandes to the lively Gavottes, and the elegant Sarabandes to the spirited Gigues, de Visée's compositions are a testament to his virtuosity and the rich musical culture of his time.

The album features a variety of suites in different keys, each with its own unique character and charm. Highlights include the intricate "Suite in D Minor" with its haunting "Chacone," and the lively "Suite in D Major" culminating in the playful "Bourrée 'La villageoise'." The inclusion of pieces like "Entrée d'Apollon" and the "Chaconne" from "Pièces de théorbe et de luth mises en partition, dessus et basse" adds a dramatic and theatrical flair to the collection.

This release is part of a series dedicated to de Visée's works, and it stands as a monumental tribute to his contributions to Baroque music. The performances, led by Manuel Staropoli and featuring Massimo Marchese on the lute, are both authentic and expressive, bringing de Visée's music to life with clarity and passion.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer eager to explore the elegance of the French court, "De Visée: La musique de la chambre du roy" is a captivating journey through the sounds and styles of a bygone era.