Jacques Morel, a French viol player and composer, was a student and devoted admirer of Marin Marais, to whom he dedicated his works.
Historical Context
During the Ancien Régime, there was a close connection between the viola da gamba and the organ, with many organists owning viols and composing music that favored medium and low registers.
Recording & Production
This album is part of the "L'ÂGE D'OR DE L'ORGUE FRANÇAIS" collection, which aims to highlight French musical heritage performed on the historic organ of the Royal Chapel of Versailles.
Interpretation
The performers on this album chose to alternate organ suites with bass viol pieces to address the liturgical challenge of Guilain's works, which have seven verses per suite instead of the usual six for a Magnificat.
Composer Biography
Jean Adam Guilain, born Jean Adam Guillaume Freinsberg in the German Empire around 1680, emigrated to Paris around 1702 and used the French pseudonym 'Guilain'.
Performer Biography
Thomas Ospital, the organist on this recording, has been the titular organist of the great organ of the church of Saint-Eustache in Paris since 2015 and was the first organist in residence at the Maison de la Radio.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Jean Adam Guilain's organ compositions show a strong preference for bass parts, with four bass récits and two tenor récits compared to only one brief soprano récit.
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