Ensemble L’Harmonie des Saisons presents

FRENCH FESTIVITIES – The Charms of the French Baroque

Louis XIV was not fond of the Italian art of his time. Consequently, he strove to maintain a French sensibility through numerous commissions to selected French artists. The music incorporated dance forms with their ever diverse rhythms, concurrent to the development of the portrait and the character piece in chamber music, while Lully created the first “symphonic” orchestra in the modern sense. On the program: majestic orchestral chaconnes by Marais and Delalande, the great Italian-influenced Sonata for Eight by Charpentier, intimate pieces for two violas da gamba by Sainte-Colombe, and the concise ballet Les Caractères de la dance by Rebel.

L’Harmonie des saisons
Founded in 2010 by co-directors Mélisande Corriveau and Eric Milnes, ensemble L’Harmonie des saisons inspires audiences with its fresh and unique musical approach. After presenting forty different programs in over 150 concerts, the ensemble, which performs on period instruments, continues to expand its acclaim throughout Quebec, Canada and abroad. Their recordings on the ATMA Classique label – Las Ciudades de Oro, Pardessus de viole and Marin Marais: Badinages – have been the recipients of the coveted JUNO prize, the Prix Opus, Radio-Canada’s Recording of the Year, among the CBC’s Top Ten CDs of the Year, and made the Apple Music prestigious TOP Ten Classical Recording list. The ensemble, alongside international guest artists, hosts a prestigious series of concerts and has been featured at international series’ and festivals across Europe, North and South America.

Artists
Eric Milnes, Musical Director and harpsichord
Julia Wedman, Tanya La Perrière, Guillaume Villeneuve, Marie Nadeau-Tremblay, Jessy Dubé, violins
Margaret Little & Susie Napper, violas da gamba
Mélisande Corriveau, Artistic Director, viola da gamba and cello
Pierre Cartier, double bass
Anne Thivierge & Grégoire Jeay, flutes
Matthew Jennejohn & Karim Nasr, oboes
François Viault, bassoon

Concert Program

Marin Marais (1656-1728)
Chaconne de l’opéra Sémélé

Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704)
Sonate à 8, H. 548

Jean de Sainte-Colombe (v. 1640 – v.1700)
Concerts à deux violes égales

Henri DuMont (1610-1684)
Symphonia à quatre pour cordes

Michel Richard Delalande (1657-1726)
Chaconne du divertissement Les Fontaines de Versailles

Jean de Sainte-Colombe
Concerts à deux violes égales

Jean-Féry Rebel (1666-1747)
Les Caractères de la danse

Recorded at The Bishop Stewart Memorial Church, Frelighsburg, Qc
May 7th, 2:00 pm EST – Available for two weeks

For more information visit: www.harmoniedessaisons.org