The harpsichord used in this recording was generously loaned by Skip Sempé and was built by Bruce Kennedy in 1985, based on French models.
Historical Context
The "Courante La Dacier" likely pays homage to Anne Dacier, an important Parisian figure who translated classical texts like Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Morel's pieces often feature descriptive titles, named for people, places, objects, or emotions, turning even dance movements into musical portraits.
Composer Biography
Very little is known about Jacques Morel, the composer of these pieces; his birthdate is estimated to be around 1680, and he was still alive in 1730.
Performer Biography
Jay Bernfeld, the viola da gamba player and director of Fuoco E Cenere, studied at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis and performed with Jordi Savall's Hesperion XX and William Christie's Les Arts Florissants.
Composition History
Morel's "Premier Livre de Pieces de Violle" (1709) is dedicated to Marin Marais, a celebrated viol player and Morel's teacher, acknowledging his "precious advantage" as his student.
Compositional Technique
Morel's suites are more compact than those of his teacher Marin Marais, featuring six to nine movements, suggesting they were intended to be heard in their arranged order.
You might also enjoy...
Attaingnant / Playford / Lully / Mozart: Court Dance in the 16th to 18th Centuries
