Marin Marais: Folies d'Espagne, La Rêveuse & Other Works

Dive into the enchanting world of Marin Marais with this captivating album, "Folies d'Espagne, La Rêveuse & Other Works." Released on January 27, 2023, under the harmonia mundi label, this collection showcases the timeless compositions of Marais, a pivotal figure in the early French Baroque period. The album features a remarkable collaboration between two of today's most innovative artists, Jean-Guihen Queyras on cello and Alexandre Tharaud on piano.

Spanning 17 tracks and a duration of 62 minutes, this album offers a rich tapestry of Marais' most celebrated works, including pieces from his renowned "Pièces de viole" collections. Highlights include the lively "Couplets de Folies (Les Folies d'Espagne)" and the introspective "La Rêveuse," both masterfully arranged for solo cello and piano. The album also features the poignant "Les Regrets," arranged by Queyras, and the spirited "Le Badinage," arranged by Tharaud.

This album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Marais' music, beautifully interpreted by Queyras and Tharaud. Their performances bring a fresh perspective to these Baroque masterpieces, revealing the depth and complexity of Marais' compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience that highlights the genius of Marin Marais and the artistry of Queyras and Tharaud.

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.

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