La Main Harmonique is a French classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 2001 by Frédérique Chauvet, a French harpsichordist and musicologist, with the aim of exploring the rich and diverse repertoire of Baroque music and bringing it to a wider audience. The ensemble's name, La Main Harmonique, is derived from a treatise on music theory by Marin Mersenne, a 17th-century French mathematician and philosopher. In his treatise, Mersenne described the concept of the "harmonic hand," which he believed was the key to understanding the principles of harmony in music. The name reflects the ensemble's commitment to exploring the intricate harmonies and counterpoint of Baroque music. La Main Harmonique is made up of a core group of musicians, including Frédérique Chauvet on harpsichord, violinists David Plantier and Florence Malgoire, viola da gamba player Atsushi Sakaï, and flutist Hugo Reyne. The ensemble also collaborates with a number of guest musicians, including singers and instrumentalists, depending on the repertoire being performed. Since its founding, La Main Harmonique has become known for its innovative and dynamic performances of Baroque music. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Jean-Philippe Rameau, as well as lesser-known composers from the Baroque era. One of the highlights of La Main Harmonique's career was its performance of Bach's St. John Passion at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris in 2006. The performance was praised for its emotional intensity and the ensemble's skillful interpretation of Bach's complex and demanding score. The ensemble has also performed at a number of other prestigious venues, including the Opéra de Dijon, the Festival de Saintes, and the Festival de Sablé. In addition to its live performances, La Main Harmonique has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "Les Nations," which features works by François Couperin, was released in 2003 and received widespread praise for its virtuosic performances and innovative interpretations. The ensemble has also recorded albums of music by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, among others. La Main Harmonique has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2004, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for its recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Victoires de la Musique Classique and the International Classical Music Awards. Overall, La Main Harmonique has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the world of Baroque music. With its innovative and dynamic performances, the ensemble has brought the rich and diverse repertoire of Baroque music to a wider audience and helped to ensure that this important musical tradition continues to thrive in the 21st century.

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