Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

May 31, 1656 in Paris, France

Death

:

August 15, 1728 in Paris, France

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Marin Marais was a French composer and viol player who lived from 1656 to 1728. He was born in Paris to a family of musicians, and his father was a member of the royal orchestra. Marais began his musical education at a young age, studying the viol with his father and composition with Jean-Baptiste Lully, the court composer of Louis XIV. Marais quickly became a skilled viol player and was appointed to the royal orchestra at the age of 15. He continued to study composition with Lully and also worked as a chamber musician, performing for the king and other members of the court. In 1679, he was appointed as a musician in the royal chapel, a prestigious position that he held for the rest of his life. Marais was a prolific composer, and his works include operas, ballets, chamber music, and pieces for the viol. His most famous work is the five-book collection of pieces for the viol, called "Pièces de viole." These pieces are considered some of the finest examples of French Baroque music and are still performed and recorded today. The "Pièces de viole" are divided into five books, each containing a variety of pieces for the viol. The first book, published in 1686, contains 26 pieces, including preludes, allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and chaconnes. The second book, published in 1701, contains 32 pieces, including suites, fantasies, and chaconnes. The third book, published in 1711, contains 45 pieces, including suites, fantasies, and chaconnes. The fourth book, published in 1717, contains 33 pieces, including suites, fantasies, and chaconnes. The fifth book, published in 1725, contains 26 pieces, including suites, fantasies, and chaconnes. Marais' music is characterized by its elegance, grace, and beauty. His use of the viol is particularly notable, as he was able to create a wide range of sounds and textures with the instrument. His music is also notable for its use of ornamentation, which adds a sense of virtuosity and complexity to the pieces. In addition to his work as a composer, Marais was also a respected teacher and wrote several treatises on music theory and performance. His most famous treatise, "Traité de l'harmonie," was published in 1723 and is still considered an important work on music theory. Marais' influence on French Baroque music cannot be overstated. His works were widely performed and admired during his lifetime, and his legacy continues to this day. His music has been recorded by numerous artists and ensembles, and his "Pièces de viole" remain a staple of the viol repertoire. Marin Marais died in Paris in 1728, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and a lasting impact on the world of classical music. His contributions to French Baroque music continue to be celebrated and admired by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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