Description
Released on a DigiSleeve CD and on all digital platforms: 7 March 2025
Dialogue Viols
Jacqui Robertson-Wade and Peter Wendland Pardessus de viole
Joseph Bodin de BOISMORTIER (1689–1755)
1–24. 6 Sonatas for 2 Pardessus de viole, Op. 63 (pub. 1737)
(Première recording)
Marin MARAIS (1656–1728)
25. Pièces de viole, Book 1 (pub. 1686): Fantasie en écho
(arr. in 1772 for two pardessus de viole by Jean-Pierre de VILLENEUVE, 1706–1771)
François COUPERIN (1668–1733)
26. Pièces de clavecin, Book 3 (pub. 1722): 15th Order: Le Dodo, ou L’Amour au Berceau
(arr. Dialogue Viols)
Recorded at St Martin’s Church, Eastwood Hay, Newbury, UK, 11–13 September 2023
Recorded and mastered by Dave Rowell
Produced and edited by Matthew Bennett
24bit, 192kHz high resolution recording, editing and mastering
A surround sound mix with Dolby Atmos of this recording is also available on streaming services, mixed by Dave Rowell
Press Quotes
‘The two artists demonstrate a deep understanding of the style and expression of the Baroque period and deliver a performance that is both historically authentic and lively.
This recording offers listening pleasure for all lovers of French Baroque music.’ (Viola da Gamba Society of Germany [Viola da Gamba Gesellschaft])
‘A beautifully played pardessus CD, which proposes the rediscovery of a little-visited repertoire and encourages the return of this wonderful instrument to a central position in the violist curriculum.’ (Vittorio Ghielmi)
‘Peter Wendland and Jacqui Robertson-Wade are two of its leading exponents in the UK, and their rendition of these sonatas, plus the two works by Marais and Couperin which complete the CD, are excellent… For anyone interested in French 18th century music, or the pardessus, this is a fantastic recording that deserves to be heard.’ (AUSTA National Journal)
‘Like all such music, it requires a high degree of musicianship to engage the listener as well as the player, and this it certainly receives in full measure from these two players: cleanly articulated playing, beautifully shaped phrasing, and well-judged, unfussy ornamentation. Noteworthy is the handling of final cadences, always with just the right amount of ritardando, and perfect placing of the last chords…. This is elegantly crafted music of great charm, affectingly evoking, like the paintings of Watteau, the fragile world of the French court of the early 17th century, so soon to be swept away, and the playing is exemplary’ (Viola da Gamba Society of UK)
‘the performances, at the French Baroque pitch of A=392Hz are simply flawless and quite captivating.’ (The Whole Note)
‘This recording is the best-possible case for an instrument that many music lovers may not have heard before. In case you are sceptical, investigate this disc and I am sure you will be won over… Dialogue Viols’ interpretation is simply superb, both technically and in the exploration of the qualities of music and instruments. They also show a fine sense of rhythm, which is very important in these works.’ (MusicWeb International RECOMMENDED)
‘Recorded in a good reverberative acoustic, these charming sonatas are given a neat, agile and stylish performance’ (The Consort)
‘Everything about this recording is a revelation. Firstly, the compositions themselves… Secondly, the instruments employed… And thirdly, the quality of the performances.’ (Michael Elphinstone)
‘Such was the persuasiveness of their accounts of Boismortier’s op 63 duos that their arrangements for pardessus of duets by Marais and Couperin sounded entirely natural. The CD notes point out that while the pardessus is mentioned as an optional instrumentation in over 250 pieces in the 18th century, music written specifically for a matched pair of pardessus is vanishingly rare. This makes these charming sonatas by Boismortier a rare and valuable find.’ (Early Music Review)