Unlike most 18th-century French harpsichord music, De Mars' book largely lacks descriptive titles for its movements, with the exception of 'Les Badinages'.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for this recording was built in 2014 by Giulio Fratini, modeled after an instrument by Michael Mietke, a renowned German harpsichord maker.
Composer Biography
Charles De Mars, the composer, came from a well-known dynasty of musicians in northern France, with many relatives serving as organists.
Performer Biography
Simone Pierini, the harpsichordist, graduated in piano with highest honors from S. Cecilia Conservatory of Music in Rome and later specialized in harpsichord and basso continuo.
Composition History
Charles De Mars' book of Pièces de Clavecin, published in Paris in 1735, is the only surviving printed music from his family's extensive musical dynasty.
Compositional Technique
De Mars' harpsichord book includes the recurring instruction 'notes egalles', indicating that the music should not be played in the then-common French 'inégal' style.
Compositional Technique
De Mars' harpsichord pieces feature an unconventional style for French music of the time, showing surprising similarities to George Frideric Handel's style, particularly his 'Eight Great Suites'.
