A positive review from 4MBSFM in Brisbane:-
“A contemporary of Bach, and renowned as the Paganini of his time for his skill with the viola da gamba, Marin Marais’ life is an interesting case in point. While his contemporaries were busy creating religious works, Marais, the forerunner of program music, produced some tantalisingly titled creations, such as The Gallbladder Operation. Who would have guessed that some 300 years later the soundtrack of the biographical film exploring his life and loves would make the Top 40 in France?
Jennifer Eriksson with Anthony Abouhamad, harpsichord
In the age of Gaga and hip hop, The Marais Project, Australia’s premiere viola da gamba ensemble, enjoy performing early Renaissance and Medieval repertoire for modern audiences. Founded by viola da gamba player Jennifer Eriksson, the group includes singer Belinda Montgomery, fellow gambist Catherine Upex and lute and theorbo specialist, Tommie Anderson. Mara! meets Marais is the first CD collaboration between The Marais Project and world music ensemble Mara!
Mara! comprising vocalist Mara Kiek, bouzouki and gittern player, Llew Kiek and bassist Steve Elphick, have a strong theatre and dance music background, and their influence on the album’s repertoire is evident in the Cantigas de Amigo. The score for this 13th century song cycle by Marin Codax has had an eventful past: accidentally discovered in 1914 as the cover for another manuscript, it disappeared for decades, only to reappear in 1977. Codax uses Iberian poetry as his inspiration for the seven songs where the sentiments prove love is indeed a timeless theme. Belinda Montgomery’s clear soprano and classical technique is at odds with Mara Kieck’s guttural tone, and unfortunately the harmony fails to blend.
Now O now I needs must part by John Dowland and the Suite in F major by Marais were among my favourites on this album. Jennifer Eriksson’s viola da gamba solo in the Marais suite is ably accompanied by the Marais Project and Steve Elphick on double bass in a continuo role. Mara! meets Marais is an intriguing mix of songs and a brave step forward for the early music genre.”
Review by Li Fern Ong. With thanks to 4MBSFM Program Guide, June 2012