This album was inspired by the desire to showcase a French harpsichord from 1679 with an exceptional sound, which had never been recorded before.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Marin Marais intended his compositions, such as the Second livre de pièces de viole, to be suitable for various instruments, including the harpsichord, organ, lute, and violin.
Interpretation
Marie van Rhijn, the harpsichordist, arranged several pieces from Marin Marais's opera Alcide and his Second livre de pièces de viole for this recording, following the composer's suggestion for varied instrumentation.
Composer Biography
Marin Marais, a virtuoso viol player, was the son of a cobbler and trained with the famous violist Sainte-Colombe and Jean-Baptiste Lully.
Instruments
The harpsichord used in this recording is an anonymous double-manual instrument from 1679, notable for its elegant construction and broad dimensions for its era.
Composition History
Marin Marais's first tragédie en musique, Alcide ou le Triomphe d'Hercule, was created in 1693 in collaboration with Louis de Lully, son of Jean-Baptiste Lully.
Historical Context
The prologue of Marin Marais's opera Alcide celebrates King Louis XIV as a warrior, bringing peace and happiness to his people after victories at Namur and Steinkerque.
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