Elegance of the French Baroque

Harpsichordist Jean Rondeau, cellist Nicolas Altstaedt and lutenist Thomas Dunford are long-time collaborators, bringing a shared musical language to this repertoire, combining clarity with expressive freedom and finely detailed ornamentation.

Their programme unfolds across a sequence of suites, bringing together preludes, dances and character pieces side by side. Music by Louis Couperin and his nephew François frames the programme, from the clarity of Préludes to the poised charm of La favorite, while graceful dance movements by Robert de Visée illustrate the refined sounds of the French court.

Marais' music captures that same courtly elegance, where dance rhythms and lyrical lines unfold with poise and control. Pieces including Les voix humaines and Les folies d'Espagne reveal both intimacy and expressive breadth, while the Tombeau pour Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe brings a more reflective, inward voice. By contrast, Forqueray's works are fiery and intense, pushing the expressive and technical limits of courtly music.

Together, these composers reveal a richly varied musical world, shaped by courtly culture yet alive with individuality and invention.

Programme:
L Couperin Prélude in E, G. 14
F Couperin Prélude from Suite No. 1 in E minor from Pièces de violes
Marais Feste champêtre from Suite d'un goût étranger, Pièces de viole, Bk. 4
Marais Marche persane dite la Savigny from Suite No. 7 in E minor, Pièces de viole, Bk. 5
Marais Le tourbillon from Suite d'un goût étranger, Pièces de viole, Bk. 4
Marais Tombeau de Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe from Suite No. 6 in E minor, Pièces de viole, Bk. 2
de Visée Allemande; Courante; Sarabande; Chaconne from Suite No. 7 in D minor, Pièces de théorbe et de luth
Marais Le grand ballet from Suite No. 1 in A minor, Pièces de viole, Bk. 3
Marais Couplets des folies (Les folies d'Espagne) from Suite No. 1 in D minor, Pièces de viole, Bk. 2
Marais Les voix humaines from Suite No. 3 in D, Pièces de viole, Bk. 2
F Couperin La favorite (Chaconne à deux tems en rondeau) from Pièces de clavecin, Ordre No. 3
Forqueray La Sylva (Très tendrement) from Suite No. 5 in C minor, Pièces de viole (arr. JB Forqueray for keyboard)
Forqueray Jupiter (Modérément) from Suite No. 5 in C minor, Pièces de viole (arr. JB Forqueray for keyboard)

Performers:
Nicolas Altstaedt cello
Thomas Dunford lute
Jean Rondeau harpsichord