Marin Marais: Le Labyrinthe (the Labyrinth); Cassandra Luckhardt, viola da gamba
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Marin Marais: Le Labyrinthe (the Labyrinth), from Book IV, published in Paris, 1717. Cassandra Luckhardt, viola da gamba, with Elisabeth Reed, viola da gamba, and Katherine Heater, harpsichord.
In the first half of the 18th century, the French player-composers dazzled audiences with their varied and beautifully crafted compositions as well as their technical abilities.
In 1717, Marin Marais published his fourth book: a monumental and diverse collection of music for the viola da gamba. One of best known of the suites in this book is the “Suite d'un Goût Etranger” (Suite in an unusual style) which contains a dizzying array of character pieces, reminiscent of a “cabinet of curiosities” in literature and art, such as the Cabinet Bonnier de la Mosson, hidden within the architectural maze of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
The centerpiece of this “curious” suite is a daring and virtuosic composition entitled “The Labyrinth.” Labyrinths were well-known throughout Europe since the middle ages, and between 1672 and 1677, Louis XIV commissioned a spectacular labyrinth at Versailles, consisting of 39 stations based on Aesop's fables, and 333 sculptures, accompanied by a beautifully engraved guide book (source: the 1679 edition of Perrault's Labyrinte de Versailles, and Wikipedia). As each station was based on a particular story, the Labyrinth by design incorporated a narrative program. Marias was a pioneer in "program music," and for his musical maze, Marais creates a brilliant and evocative set of programmatic scenes, and although the program is not accompanied by a description, as in his "Tableau de l'Opération de la Taille" (the operation for the removal of the bladder stone), the basic program is clear enough: a person is trapped in a maze, and as the person explores the maze, the frustration and confusion of the avenues that are closed off are represented by increasing dissonance and harmonic complexity; whereas, a new path is set forth by an ever-changing ritornello. The final escape from the maze takes the form of a harmonically stable and free-spirited chaconne. The work begins in A Major, and, as the journey progresses, the maze explores the remote keys of F Sharp Minor, C Sharp Major, D Sharp Major, C Minor, and F Major, before using the relative minor, D minor, as an easily accessible pivot point to return to the beginning key of A.
Although the work is frequently described as a rondeau, the composition incorporates a few innovative features: the rondeau is not simply repeated, but musically transformed in order to more properly represent a new path: each return to the original theme starts out with the same hopeful affect, but in a different key, summing the experiences of the previous failures in order to eventually solve the puzzle. In this respect, Marias borrows from the previously well-established Italianate principles of ritornello fragmentation and development, but Marais reinvents these techniques to suit the French style. Three-quarters of the way through, at 8:03 in the video, we are presented with a remarkable, musicological “Aha!” moment-the solo viol plays a searching soliloquy, as if suddenly realizing the secret way out of the maze, then kicks up his or her heels through the concluding chaconne, possibly encountering a topiary or two along the way. Marais can thus be tentatively credited with the first instrumental “aha! moment” in the history of music.
In composing the Labyrinth, Marais would of course have been familiar with the most famous example, the story of Ariadne, particularly since he had presented his opera (or tragédie en musique) “Ariane et Bacchus” at the Académie Royale de Musique in 1696, and the labyrinth at Versailles was the talk of the town. Although there are a few examples of labyrinth pieces prior to 1717, particularly in German sources, Marais likely developed the concept on his own: with its innovative and original program, its unusual modulations, its fiery technical challenges and brilliant chaconne-a chaconne which could stand alone as a remarkable work- “Le Labyrinthe” is unique in the repertory for solo instruments in the baroque.
Perrault's original guide book may be viewed online here:
gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6...
And the original prints of Marias' works for viola da gamba are available on IMSLP:
imslp.org/wiki/Category:Marais...
Visit us on the web at voicesofmusic.org/
Пікірлер: 175
J'adore les musiques de Marin Marais, et le film de son histoire "Tous les Matins du Monde".
@liegesaboya8265
4 жыл бұрын
Vi esse filme muitas vezes . Bonito demais ! O enredo , fotografia , vestuário , a música : que coisa esplêndida . Tous les Matins de Monde me conduziu a Marin Marais e à viola da gamba .
100,000! Thanks, everyone!
@elenacastellana5252
3 жыл бұрын
T
I do not know much about the technical aspects of music, but this piece spoke to my soul. It began with an almost existential yet noble search for a harmonious fulfillment which is achieved at the end. Congratulations to the performers of this great piece of music.
The viola de gamba blows cellos and basses out of the water. How else can one say it? The tone and range is remarkable. How did the four string versions take over? Simplicity, perhaps was the reason. Amazing instruments and music that should not be forgotten, ever. Thanks for playing these spectacular beauties
@AnHebrewChild
4 жыл бұрын
Richard Stevens they're just different. There are strengths and weaknesses to each. Coke, Pepsi --- I'll take one or the other depending upon the occasion. (Mexican or pizza with Pepsi) (Italian or popcorn & movie with coke) Dear God, why does the human brain have to think always so either-or / binary? Did you make us this way, or is it an artifact of the computer world we live in?
@nainposteur55
2 жыл бұрын
...Instrument with more that 4 string require frets, and frets make impossible several cool effects that's why cello is better for a lot of peaces But of course especially in baroque peaces wich have been written for violla de gamba, it's far better than cello, I agree :)
@chartophylacium5250
Жыл бұрын
@@nainposteur55 You are right. But I do prefer the sound of frets. The sound is just so much clearer. It also makes playing the low notes a lot easier as you do not have to stretch so much.
@aronasmundurjonasson3175
Жыл бұрын
Another reason why cellos took over, it’s because violas da gamba’s sound isn’t able to carry itself as much as the cellos’
@mobtek
3 ай бұрын
@@aronasmundurjonasson3175 yes when performing went from rooms to larger halls.
The more I listen to this the more I appreciate everything about the performances, the recording quality, and the genius of Marais. THANK YOU Voices of Music!
Oh, and all my appreciation to the video and audio producers, incredible sound, you captured the ensemble in great balance The video is warm and allows me to see the nuances and connections between the players. thanks all.
@VoicesofMusic
8 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome.
STUPENDA ESECUZIONE, BELLISSIMA SUBLIME MUSICA. Adoro il barocco...lo riascoltata 10 volte...😊
Marin Marais entre os compositores franceses do período barroco, é o meu favorito. As peças Le Badinage e Lá Reveuse são jóias sonoras.
@samuelsiqueira3831
Жыл бұрын
E a alcyone meu Deus é incrível
I missed this when it was first put up - so glad I finally watched. Absolutely sensational sound: a wonderful contrast between the precision of the music and the physicality of the playing and the sound of the viols. Visceral is the word that comes to mind - still shaking. One of your finest.
@VoicesofMusic
8 жыл бұрын
+John Woodman Thanks, John--this was a fun mini-project :)
World class all around - the music, the performers, instruments, acoustics and the sound tech that captured the nuances of this oh-so-subtle music in all of its elegance. And as many others mentioned before, the physicality of the performers is wonderful to witness visually as well as listen to. Thank you!
@joeworley8924
3 жыл бұрын
Ii
Marin Marias =The most underrated. My favorite 2:26...
@petatap
4 жыл бұрын
underrated even in the spelling of his name :) :)
This is beyond beautiful! No one did it like Marais. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful performance here.
@VoicesofMusic
9 жыл бұрын
Bert Carter Thanks, Bert!
So elegantly played, a flawlessly flowing soloist beautifully connected with the continuo players. A delight. Thank you.
I have not heard this marvelous piece in about 25 years. This performance keeps this masterpiece in all its brilliance by these incredible gifted musicians.
@VoicesofMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
When I listen to this music, I always see our ancestors, riding on horseback in the woods from one village to another. Great music!!
Pretty beautiful! Congratulations! Thanks for letting us to see and hear this wonderful music!
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO Une interprétation MAGISTRALE qui me bouleverse profondément et me permet de me sentir FRANCAIS et UNIVERSEL MAGNIFIQUE SUPERBE TRANSCENDANT Nous assistons à l'apothéose du GENIE FRANCAIS à l'époque où le BEAU, LE BIEN et le BON étaient des valeurs de référence Un GRAND MERCI pour ce moment de BONHEUR et de LUMIERE à vous et à Marin MARAIS !
Some of the most powerful music I have ever heard-and superbly played by an all women trio. Wonderful.
Joyful musical viola da gamba & harpsichord instruments. The melody does present a seek-and-hide game. Complex composition with the different key tunes, but, that is where the magic is in this classic. Very beautiful harpsichord furniture.
Beautiful! And on top of it, we hear the harpsichord! 👍 Great piece of Marin Marais by great musicians! 💖
Many decades ago, I was enchanted with the silvery sound of the viola de gamba and expose to the music of Marin Marais in the french film "Tous le matins du monde" (in particular the Sonnerie de Ste. Geneviève du Mont-de-Paris). It is such a joy to still enjoy the sound of this beautiful instrument. Thanks for sharing these videos!
P.S. Cassandra, the extreme difficulty of this piece and your apparent ease in playing it is not lost on me! Also kudos to your continuo players.
@cluckily
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, Martha! It's all because of you that I'm doing this!
The world needs more musicians like this! Absolutely wonderful.
Bellissimo! Un'interpretazione fantastica. Complimenti a M.me Luckhardt e alle altre del Trio
Beautiful, timeless, fills my heart right up when I think about our wonderful western civilization that fostered the arts..this period is a particular fav of mine..just heavenly. Thx for sharing.
Beautiful and so precise and effortless... ! Thank you!
Bravo!Proud of you being my teacher!
@enzocypriani5055
7 жыл бұрын
you are lucky
Wow I can hear clearly the sound of harpsichord 😍😍😍love ur sharing so so much 😍😍😍just can’t help to replay all ur uploads of music whole day ❤️❤️❤️my gr8 companion in these challenging times 🥰🥰🥰love from Sydney
My favorite composer performed beautifully!
Brilliant playing. Thank all three of you for this - your playing realizes the beauty of the written score fully.
@VoicesofMusic
Жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
BRAVO! Avec vous,le Labyrinthe de M Marais trouve un souffle grandiose et magnifique. Un délice!
@VoicesofMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Merci!
wow!!! her musicality is incredible!!!!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!
Thanks so much. Amazing varied masterpiece
Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Bellísimo.
Wonderful, Cassandra!!!!!!!!!!!!
@VoicesofMusic
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Martha!
Absolutely jawdropping ! As a french guy, I love Marin Marais and your rendition is awesome. Thank you.
@VoicesofMusic
2 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome.
Gorgeous! Energy, precision, and passion!
@VoicesofMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
Outstanding performance, Cassandra!
So very very lovely!
Absolutely GREAT!!!
extraordinarily beautiful, thanks
Beautiful playing all around!
Sublime Marin Marais. Spendides interpretes. Quelle technique ! Merci pour la mise en ligne
@VoicesofMusic
4 жыл бұрын
De rien!
Cassandra Luckhardt is really a wonderful performer !
Sounds fantastic!
Almost proto Baroque, this French courtly music with the original instruments is sublime.
Beautiful!
So beautiful. BRAVO!!!!!!
lindoooo, parabéns ❤🎊🎊🙌
Thank you so much for your information on this piece & on labyrinths. Though I was familiar with the labyrinth in European visual art, I wasn't aware of its use in music till now. This is a fascinating work, beautifully performed (as always), one which I'll listen to many times. Thank you!
@VoicesofMusic
4 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome.
Beautiful
excelente.........muy bella interpretación...........
No bad news from *this* Cassandra. Beautiful. Thanks.
Thank you very much for this incredibly touching music!
@VoicesofMusic
2 жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
Admirable ! Très belle interprétation de ce grand musicien.
@VoicesofMusic
4 жыл бұрын
Merci!
Fantastic work.....
Absolutly magic
Marais’ music is so somber and haunting. He really took the gamba to its full potential.
Merci pour cette vidéo, un son superbe, une réalisation impeccable, un beau travail de montage. Il faut préserver ce savoir et cet art.
@VoicesofMusic
Жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
Grand e très grand Marin!
Maravilloso ! saludos desde Chile.
Increible 😍
Великолепно!!
Very beautiful as always!
@VoicesofMusic
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! 😊
Standing ovation!
i very strongly recommend the movie "All the Mornings of the World" ("Tous les Matins du Monde") in which Marin Marais is centrally featured.
@katschs3965
3 жыл бұрын
Second the recommendation, with the caveat that the actors involved are NOT musicians and do not come close to duplicating how the instrument is played. Just close your eyes during those parts and listen... the sound track is the real thing.
Bravo!
such a clean sound record? this is great
Aha, the viola da gamba ❤ ❤ ❤ thank you!
@VoicesofMusic
4 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome.
sheer delight... !!!!
This sounds gorgeous, how have I never heard of this composer before?
Hermoso
Bravooo 👏👏👏👏👏💐💐💐💐💐
magnifico....
Great!!
The Great Marin Marais, interpreted beautifully here.
Fantastico 😍😍😍😍
Marais would have been very proud of you. Delicious playing
@VoicesofMusic
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
L'expressivité de Marais fait qu'elle exige la virtuosité.Ici comme avec Jordi Savall le compositeur nous parle et se confie à notre oreille comme à notre coeur . Très bien donc , sur tous les plans.Merci.
Sumptuous!
Superb 🙏
삼총사 연주가 대단히 훌륭하고 서로간의 조합이 뛰어납니다👍😁
@francescoalberti7272
Жыл бұрын
Se😊
Amazing!!!
@VoicesofMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
This is a fascinating reinterpretation of Marais - much gentler and more subtle than the Savall version which has been the standard for decades.
@VoicesofMusic
4 ай бұрын
Cassandra is an amazing musician, also, she just flew in and borrowed that viol, I can't imagine!
Remarkable.
yes, marais was quite awesome
wonderful
@Suite_annamite
7 жыл бұрын
You should also check out my favourite piece by the same French composer, Marin Marais: "La Gamme" (The Scale).
@waterlittlegirl
7 жыл бұрын
Le Huy-Anh. i tried but i could nt find the mv you said
Such a wonderful and beautiful performance. I played this piece for a recital and I’m sure I didn’t make this piece seem so effortless.
@VoicesofMusic
Жыл бұрын
It's so difficult!
@paulscott111
Жыл бұрын
@@VoicesofMusic I found it very hard. You seemed to make it look very easy.
brilliant !!!!
Tocam ao modo Barroco, especial interpretação.
Ooohhh awweesoooommmmeeee
Tooooop 👍👍👍👍
Hi Cassandra! I'm getting ready to teach this piece and your video is a wonderful performance of it! Let me know if you're in the Atlanta area.
Très belle musique de baroque!
@VoicesofMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Louis Louis!
SUBLIME!
bella ejecución
brava cassandra!
@VoicesofMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Brava Cassandra!
😍😍😍
I could not play the harpsichord, but if it would fit through the door of my apartment (doubtful!) it would certainly impress visitors! 🙂