Bousset held prestigious positions as maître de musique at the Académie Française, Académie des sciences, and Académie des inscriptions, all dependent on royal power.
Interpretation
This recording largely features accompaniment by two theorbos and a viola da gamba, reflecting the intimate character of these salon pieces and the instruments listed in Bousset's possessions.
Composer Biography
Jean-Baptiste Drouard de Bousset, born in 1662, was the most prolific composer of airs sérieux of the 17th and 18th centuries, with 875 airs published.
Historical Context
The 'ruelle' (the small space between a bed and walls) in Parisian salons was a key setting for the creation and performance of vocal airs, where polite conversation and singing were central.
Historical Context
The air sérieux, a sub-genre of the air français, flourished from the late 16th century to the mid-18th century, evolving towards the cantate française.
Composition History
The air français originated as the air de cour in 1571, composed for the king and his immediate entourage, before moving to private spheres like salons and taverns.
Performer Biography
The ensemble Le Jardin Secret won both the first prize and the audience prize in the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition in York, England, in 2007.
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