After Louis XIV's death, the viola da gamba's popularity waned as the court of Louis XV embraced Italian music and the violin family.
Composer Biography
Antoine Forqueray, a chamber musician to Louis XIV for 25 years, was a fearless improviser who refused to have his music printed during his lifetime, earning him the nickname 'the devil'.
Composer Biography
Marin Marais, a chamber musician to Louis XIV for 36 years, was known for his precision, elegance, and delicacy, earning him the nickname 'the angel'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Monsieur de Sainte Colombe Le Père, a figure behind the scenes, was the first to dedicate his talent to making the viola da gamba sing 'as would a living voice'.
Album & Artwork
This album, 'Visions du Diable' (Visions of the Devil), follows a previous release by the same label titled 'Histoires d'un Ange' (Stories of an Angel).
Historical Context
Louis XIV, a great patron of the arts, made Versailles a central hub for music and dance in France, giving the viola da gamba a prominent role.
Historical Context
The death of Louis XIV in 1715 is symbolically linked to the decline of the viola da gamba, an instrument that had held a privileged position in his court.
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C.P.E. Bach & Abel: Sonatas for Viola da gamba & Fortepiano
C.P.E. Bach: Viola da Gamba Sonatas
DHM Splendeurs: Forqueray: Pieces Pour Viole, Pieces Pour Clavecin
