The Marais Project - Two (2021) Hi-Res

Two was planned as the centrepiece of our 2020 Marais Project concert series. The idea being that we, Jenny and Tommie, would each present a bracket of solos before coming together to play a suite by our ensemble’s namesake, Marin Marais. As with so many musical and artistic events, the advent of Covid-19 meant we had to cancel all the scheduled performances.

Late in the year we committed to filming the concert and releasing it as a video. We went into the studio to put down the soundtrack and were so happy with the result that we decided to release our favourite tracks as an EP – our first recording in this format.

The lute family, and the baroque guitar, have a wonderful solo repertoire spanning hundreds of years. Less so the gallichon, but Tommie arranged several pieces for this recording. The viola da gamba is also endowed with a rich treasure of solo works. For the first time in her career, Jenny has performed and recorded some of her favourite solo pieces, including the world premiere of a work written for her by Australian composer, Paul Cutlan.

Finally, the music of Marin Marais is close to both our hearts. We have explored so many of his suites over the years and there is always a sense of achievement in committing another of the great man’s works to record.
Tommie dedicates his recording of Mozart's Adagio to the memory of Eva Nässén: soprano, mentor and friend.