Barrière: Sonates pour le violoncelle avec la basse continue, Vol. 2

Featuring

Bruno Cocset
Bertrand Cuiller
Luca Pianca
Guido Balestracci
Emmanuel Jacques
Richard Myron

Les Basses Réunies
Jean-Baptiste Barrière

Did you know?

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Instruments

The pardessus de viole, a small, high-pitched viol, became very popular in the 18th century as the bass viol declined and Italian violin music gained appreciation in Parisian concert halls.

Interpretation

Performer Bruno Cocset uses a small Italian tenor cello for Sonata 6 of Book III, tuned in successive fourths and fifths, to achieve a specific sound texture.

Interpretation

For most sonatas, Bruno Cocset uses a four-string cello with standard tuning, employing fingering solutions from viola da gamba playing or the use of the thumb in higher positions, a practice likely learned in Italy.

Composer Biography

Jean Barrière, a native of Bordeaux, became a "musicien ordinaire de l'Académie Royale de Musique" (today the Paris Opera) and traveled to Italy to perfect his instrumental art and immerse himself in Italian culture.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Barrière's music is noted for its subtle blending of styles, finding a unique tone that incorporates elements from French and Italian musical traditions.

Instruments

The quinton, a five-string pardessus with a violin body, was developed to combine the qualities of both viol and violin families, offering a direct and present sound.

Compositional Technique

Jean Barrière's 24 cello sonatas (Books I-IV) are exceptional for their variety of musical languages and demonstrate his love for exploring the instrument.