Search - Marin Marais, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Leopold Stastny :: Marin Marais: Sonnerie de Sainte-Geneviève du Mont (Suites pour violes)

Approaches to Heaven

Muriel | 08/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For Octavius, the violas in this version of the "Sonnerie" groan, "in slow agony," whereas they should be "whirling feverishly and spiraling towards a heaven-like ecstacy [sic]." To my way of thinking, Savall's feverishly fast virtuoso version is dead wrong, destroying the aching sense of earth-bound melancholy that is so hypnotic (and which I think Marais intended). Nor is a heaven-like ecstasy always conveyed by speed (think of Bach's slow choruses). Of the several "Sonneries" in my collection, this is the only one I can hear any number of times without diminishing the effect. The recorded sound is superb, with an "in the room" presence. Altogether a truly fine disc to treasure."

The previous reviewer has some points, ...but...

Phillip Serna | Plainfield, IL | 12/08/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I appreciated the input of the previous reviewr, but ther eare a couple of items, not having to do with this particular recording that I have to add an addendum. the 7-string bass viol (or viola da gamba) is NOT an ancestor of the cello, or any instruments in the violin family. Historical evidence, as well as extensive research show the viola da gamba family was connected to the development of the lute and early guitars in Europe 70 years before the fist violin family instruments begin to appear. Please note, I am NOT referring to vielles or any other precursors of bowed string instruments in Europe. A simple web search will yield many other viola da gamba soloists, many of whom are exeptional performers.



Phillip W. Serna

phillipwserna.com"