Caurroy: Fantaisie sur une jeune filette

Whilst Italian composers had taken up the ‘modern’ form of the sonata and adapted it to the violin at the beginning of the 17th century, French composers remained faithful to the principles of polyphonic music with their fantaisies that were still intended for ensembles of viols; the role of the violin in France at that time was still limited to providing music for dancing. Such knowledge of polyphony was demanded not only from composers of vocal music but also from organists, one of whom was Louis Couperin and who was also dessus de viole de la chambre du Roi. Our recording comes to a fitting conclusion with the last French work to be written for ensemble of viols: Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Concert à quatre parties de violes.

Of all the instruments that were developed during the Renaissance, the bassoon undoubtedly has the most curious history. Associated with music in the open air, it was also praised for the sweetness of its sound, as certain of its - such as dolce suono - show.

The musicians of Syntagma Amici here explore the use of the bassoon as a family of instruments in polyphonic repertoire of the 16th century as well as in early virtuoso pieces that were dedicated to it at the beginning of the 17th century.

The celebration of the Nativity has always been a source of inspiration for composers. The different elements of the evangelical narrative evoke numerous images: tender feelings before the Baby Jesus; the gentleness of his mother, the Virgin Mary; the procession of the three Wise Men; the angelic choirs in Heaven; and these shepherds gathered in the manger.

All that appears in the musical repertoire linked to this holiday, as well as the presence of colourful instrumentations and themes connected to folk traditions. This set, released by Ricercar, brings together all these elements, drawn from the repertoires of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.