Marais' Third Book of Pieces for viol includes a new marking, '-e-', which indicates the need for expressive bowing to give 'life and soul' to the pieces.
Composition History
The Third Book of Pieces for viol was Marais' last work published during the reign of Louis XIV, the monarch who greatly influenced the arts and whom Marais served.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded across three separate sessions in September 2017, September 2018, and May 2019 at the Notre-Dame de Centeilles church.
Compositional Technique
The Third Book of Pieces for viol contains 134 pieces divided into nine keys, exploring new tonalities like A minor, F major, B flat major, G minor, C major, and C minor.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Marin Marais, the composer, intended his Third Book of Pieces for viol to appeal to both amateur and trained musicians, including short, easy pieces and more challenging ones.
Interpretation
The performers on this album intentionally vary their interpretations of pieces, even those previously recorded, to explore different instrumentations and emotional deliveries.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Marin Marais explicitly stated that most pieces in his Third Book could be played on various instruments, including organ, harpsichord, violin, theorbo, guitar, and flutes.
