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Marin Marais is an obscure composer although a recent spate of discs that have been issued recently confirm a composer of outstanding talent and innovative freshness. There are four works here and all are played with outstanding precision and effortless virtuosity by this immensely talented group of players. The Suite for three viols is by far the longest work at twenty-three minutes. Here the fantasy and artistic vision of Marais' writing is well depicted by Hantai and his colleagues. I also enjoyed Pierre Hantai's colourful and instructive accompaniment on the harpsichord especially in the Sarabande. The striking 'Tombeau de Mr Meliton' is also beautifully played as are the rich resonant lines of the Forqueray in its first recording. A Suite for two viols concludes the disc and marvelous it is indeed. Fresh from the sounds of Hyperion's 'English bass viol', I can safely confirm that this instrument is a joy to listen to and the intimate sound reproduced on this recording is continuously palpable in its clarity. Julie Anne Sadie's notes are a model of excellence and I have no real option but to give a wholehearted thumbs up to this pleasantly off the beaten track disc.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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