Louis de Caix d'Hervelois, in the footsteps of Marin Marais

Featuring

Florence Bolton
Emily Audouin
Carsten Lohff
Benjamin Perrot
Serge Saïtta
La Rêveuse

Louis de Caix d'Hervelois

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Composer Biography

Caix d'Hervelois adopted his professional name, emphasizing the 'Caix' family, which was an old, once well-to-do family, to aid his social ascent in Paris.

Composer Biography

Louis de Caix d'Hervelois, the composer, was born in 1677 in a small village in Picardy to modest, uneducated parents.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Caix d'Hervelois was one of the first viol composers to offer sonatas that harmoniously blended French and Italian musical styles, a concept known as 'Les Goûts réunis' (united tastes).

Composer Biography

Both Caix d'Hervelois and his teacher Marin Marais, a renowned viol player and composer, benefited from the support of an 'Uncle Louis' early in their careers.

Composer Biography

Despite his material and musical success, Caix d'Hervelois's family life was fraught with tragedy, including the death of his wife in childbirth and challenges with his children.

Compositional Technique

Caix d'Hervelois, a prolific composer, wrote his most inspired and innovative works for the bass viol, his instrument of choice.

Instruments

Caix d'Hervelois's music contributed to the final years of glory for the viola da gamba, alongside newly fashionable instruments like the pardessus de viole, flute, and guitar.