Marais: Dialogues

Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Baroque chamber music with "Marais: Dialogues," a captivating album featuring the enchanting compositions of Marin Marais. This exquisite collection, released in 2015, showcases the masterful interplay between the viola da gamba and the theorbo, performed by the esteemed musicians Mieneke van der Velden, Wieland Kuijken, and Fred Jacobs.

"Marais: Dialogues" presents a selection of pieces from Marin Marais' "Pièces à une et à deux violes, livre I," including both minor and major key suites. The album opens with a series of pieces in D minor, featuring a Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue, Gavotte, and Menuet, each showcasing the expressive range of the viola da gamba. The second half of the album explores pieces in G major, culminating in a haunting "Tombeau de M. Meliton," a tribute to a fellow musician.

The performances on this album are marked by their technical virtuosity and deep musicality, bringing to life the intricate dialogues and counterpoint that characterize Marais' compositions. The interplay between the two violes and the theorbo creates a rich, textured sound that transports the listener to the opulent courts of 17th-century France.

With a duration of 57 minutes, "Marais: Dialogues" offers a comprehensive exploration of Marais' early viola da gamba works, providing both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre with a rewarding listening experience. The album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Marin Marais' music and the skill of the performers who bring it to life.