Marin Marais: Five Old French Dances

Score and Parts-Marin Marais was a distinguished member of the French School of Viola Da Gamba players that flourished around 1700. He was also an influential exponent of French Chamber music in this era. He composed much and wrote five fantastic collections for Viola which constitute one of the most important sources of solo music for the Viola da Gamba. This Suite No.1 in D minor is from the fourth book of his Pieces de Viole Book IV published in 1717. Because of the unique value of the composer's authoritative indications for ornaments bowings fingerings expressive effects it was decided to print the original parts for viol and basso continuo asfacsimiles of its original form as well as the newly engraved score. This suite for Viola and Basso Continuo has been edited by George Hunter.

Marin Marais (1656-1728) Compositions from the First Book for two violas da gamba and basso continuo Editor: Günter and Leonore von Zadow, publication date: 2014-06, continuo realization: Dankwart von Zadow, source: Pieces a une at a deux violes [Premier Livre], Paris 1686-1869 Description Marais' music represents for many the pinnacle of the French viol literature, and the facsimile reproductions of his five books are widely distributed among gambists. For all those who prefer not to play from facsimiles, Edition Güntersberg has issued the suites for two viols from the First Book in modern practical editions. Besides the three part books our editions contain a score, which serves for a better orientation of the continuo players. In addition, for harpsichord players who want to get used to this music we provide a second score, which contains a thoroughly conceived continuo realization. Our viol parts show all performance instructions of the original and are structured in such a way that players as far as possible need not turn pages within movements. The editions contain an instructive introduction in German, English and French.