Marin Marais: Alcione

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Marin Marais with his captivating album "Alcione," released on February 24, 2014, under the Alia Vox label. This exquisite collection of Baroque music is a testament to Marais' mastery of the viol and his ability to evoke a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery through his compositions.

"Alcione" is a suite of music that accompanies the opera of the same name, composed by Marais. The album is divided into four suites, each corresponding to a different act of the opera. The first suite, "Airs pour les driades et les bergers," sets the stage with pastoral scenes of nymphs and shepherds, featuring lively dances like the "Marche pour les bergers et les bergères" and the delicate "Menuet pour les bergers et les bergères."

The second suite, "Airs pour les eoliens et les eoliennes," introduces a more mystical atmosphere with its "Air" and "Menuet" pieces, evoking the spirits of the wind. The third suite, "Airs pour les prêtresse et les magiciens," delves into the realm of priests and magicians, with solemn "Sarabandes" and dynamic "Gigues."

The final suite, "Airs pour les matelots et les tritons," brings the opera to a dramatic close with its "Prélude de l’acte Troisième," the stormy "Tempête," and the triumphant "Chaconne pour les tritons." Throughout the album, Marais' virtuosic playing and innovative techniques shine, making "Alcione" a cornerstone of Baroque music that continues to captivate audiences today. With a duration of 52 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Marin Marais and the rich, imaginative world of "Alcione."