Six of the Best; The Marais Project – Jennifer Eriksson & Daniel Yeadon, violas da gamba; Tommie Andersson, theorbo; Ray Harvey, harpsichord
The Six of the Best team
Recital Hall East, Sydney Conservatorium of Music; 11/4/13
“Marais Project’s presentation of six composers and pieces provided interesting comparisons. In the end, I think the concert proved that Marin Marais was the outstanding composer and practitioner on the instrument.
The movements of Pieces de viole, suite in E minor, by Francois Couperin portrayed sleeping, waking, a down turn of mood, and something approaching the resurrection. The continuo responded perfectly to the music’s movement, especially its plods and surges.
Antoine Forqueray’s Chaconne in G Major was an uplifting composition, featuring a consistent sprightly melody, and eliciting fluent, expressive playing.
The seven movements of Pieces de Viole, Premier Livre, suite in D minor by Caix d’Hervelois, provided a spacious narrative and opportunity to sense the capabilities of the viol. Impressive were its murmurings, rumblings and acclaiming bow strokes.
The newly composed Piece for Viola da Gamba and Theorbo by Rosalind Page sported an appealing, fresh approach, and called for energy and effect.
Charles Dolle’s Suite in G Major well illustrated the moods and feelings of the instrument – depth, sadness, sleepiness, release, freedom.
To close, the Marais Pieces, 3e Livre, Suite in A minor, placed Marais at the forefront of composition, supplying a majestic funereal Prelude, and an inviting Ballet, vibrant and surging with contrast and expression.
An audience well satisfied.”
Review by Neville Olliffe; published in Early Music News (April-May 2013)