Susanne Braumann, Fred Jacobs - Marais: 4 Viola da Gamba Suites (1995)

There has been renewed interest in Marin Marais and viole music since the making of the film Tous les Matins du Monde. Marais is perhaps the best known and certainly most often recorded of the large group of French 17th and 18th century viole virtuosi. This CD contains four suites assembled from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th books of pieces for solo viole with basso continuo. Each suite begins in traditional fashion with a polyphonic prelude, the remaining movements being baroque dance titles (sarabande, gigue etc.) rather than the character pieces found in his book five. The Tombeau de Mr. De Ste. Colombe is also included as a conclusion to one of the suites.
Most recordings of these works have either the very conservative harpsichord and second viole for the continuo (accompaniment), or else a larger group in varying combinations of viole, plucked string and keyboard instruments. This CD goes for the simplest and most delightful arrangement - just the lead viole subtly supported by a single theorbo (a larger type of lute). The effect is so gentle that this really is an incredibly restful CD, guaranteed to soothe away any stress. The musicians (Susanne Braumann on an Italian 18th century viola da gamba and Fred Jacobs on a copy of an 17th century English theorbo) really bring out the wistful or melancholy aspect of he music, but this is what makes it so relaxing. Perhaps the only criticism that could be levelled at their playing is that having adopted this mood, the suites lack the variation and dynamics of other ensembles’ interpretations.
This CD is highly recommended for the standard of playing, the unusually simple accompaniment to the viole and its sublimely restful atmosphere.