Antoine Forqueray was a child prodigy, playing the basse de violon for the king at the age of five.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Paris at the Temple Bon Secours across two sessions in July and September 2015.
Instruments
The harpsichord used on this recording was made by Marc Ducornet & Emmanuel Danset in Paris in 1993, modeled after an Ioannes Ruckers instrument from 1624.
Composition History
The genesis of these pieces is mysterious, with Jean-Baptiste Forqueray admitting to adding three of his own compositions to the third suite, marked with a star.
Composition History
The collection of pieces on this album was published in 1747 by Antoine Forqueray's son, Jean-Baptiste, who adapted them for harpsichord and also released a version for viol and basso continuo.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hubert Le Blanc, a contemporary writer, famously described Antoine Forqueray's playing as that of a 'devil,' contrasting it with Marin Marais's 'angelic' style.
Composer Biography
Antoine Forqueray, a French viol player, was considered one of the greatest gambists of his generation, alongside Marin Marais.
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