Les folies d'espagne

Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Marin Marais with "Les folies d'Espagne," a captivating collection of pieces from his monumental "Pièces de viole, Book 2." Released in 2016 under the Stradivarius label, this album spans 58 minutes of exquisite Baroque music, performed with mastery and sensitivity.

Marin Marais, a celebrated French composer and viol player, was a prominent figure in the court of Louis XIV. His works, characterized by their expressive depth and technical brilliance, offer a window into the musical landscape of 17th-century France. This album showcases a selection of suites from "Pièces de viole, Book 2," including the famous "Les folies d'Espagne," a piece that has captivated audiences for centuries.

The album opens with the Prelude from Suite No. 2 in D Minor, setting the stage for a journey through a variety of dance movements and character pieces. Each track is a testament to Marais' compositional skill, blending the formal structures of the Baroque era with a personal, introspective touch. From the stately Pavane to the lively Gigue, the music unfolds with a sense of drama and nuance that is both engaging and deeply satisfying.

"Les folies d'Espagne" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of Marin Marais. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer eager to explore the riches of this era, this album offers a compelling introduction to the world of the viol and the genius of 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.

Les folies d'espagne

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