Marin Marais: Suites, Vol. 2

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Baroque music with "Marin Marais: Suites, Vol. 2" by Noël Akchoté. This captivating album, released on July 31, 2015, under the Noël Akchoté label, presents a meticulously arranged collection of Marin Marais' iconic suites, beautifully adapted for guitar. Spanning a concise yet impactful 13 minutes, the album features eight tracks that showcase the intricate compositions of Marin Marais, a master of the viola da gamba, reimagined for the guitar by Noël Akchoté.

The album opens with the enchanting "Prélude. Lentement" from Pièces en trio, Suite No. 6, setting the stage for a journey through the refined and expressive world of Baroque music. Each track, from the graceful "Sarabande. Grave" to the lively "Rondeau" and the playful "Caprice," offers a unique glimpse into the musical genius of Marin Marais. The album concludes with the hauntingly beautiful "Alcyone," leaving the listener with a sense of tranquility and satisfaction.

Noël Akchoté's arrangements breathe new life into these classic pieces, highlighting the versatility and depth of Marais' compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides a delightful and accessible introduction to the timeless beauty of Baroque music.

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.

Marin Marais: Suites, Vol. 2

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