Marais: Les Folies d'Espagne from Pièces de violes, 2e Livre Cello and Piano

Score and Part

In 2023 cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and pianist Alexandre Tharaud released a CD with the music of the legendary French gambist Marin Marais, newly arranged by the two artists. The album caused a sensation. The two musicians had succeeded, with great respect for the originals, in transcribing French Baroque music in such a manner for cello and piano that the pieces remain authentic and at the same time fully exploit the tonal and technical possibilities of modern instruments. A particular showpiece from this collection has now found its way into the Henle catalogue: the "Folies d'Espagne", variations on the "Folia" theme, which has been extremely popular since the Baroque period. The succession of variations develops an irresistible momentum, in the course of which a rich variety of timbres, rhythms and moods appear. A dazzling concert and encore piece!