Lucile Boulanger, the viola da gamba player, aims to expand her instrument's repertoire by commissioning contemporary works and through transcriptions, refusing to see it as only a historical instrument.
Compositional Technique
The 'Goûts Réunis' (reconciled tastes) approach, combining French and Italian styles, is evident in these sonatas, with composers like Leclair leaning Italian, Dornel staying French, and Francœur blending both.
Interpretation
The performers adapted Leclair's sonatas, originally for two violins and bass, for violin and viola da gamba, inspired by Leclair's own re-arrangements of his music.
Album & Artwork
The album title, 'The Golden Hour', refers to the period when the viola da gamba was declining in France, while the violin was rising as a solo instrument.
Historical Context
This album's music was composed around the time of the Regency (1715-1723), a period of political transition in France between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV.
Historical Context
During this period, the Regent of France, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who was a viol player himself, was fascinated by Italian culture and invited Italian artists to France, influencing French musicians.
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