Pièces de Viole, Livre II

Released by Centaur Records in 2019, this recording features John Dornenburg on viola da gamba and Malcolm Proud on harpsichord performing selections from Marin Marais's second book of Pièces de Viole. Marais, the preeminent French viol virtuoso of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, composed these works during the peak of his career at the court of Versailles. The music is characteristic of the French Baroque style, favoring nuanced ornamentation, emotional depth, and a sophisticated harmonic language designed to showcase the expressive capacity of the bass viol.

The production by Dornenburg and Proud continues a tradition of historically informed performance, aiming to replicate the intimate and refined atmosphere of the French salon. Dornenburg, a respected specialist in early music, approaches the score with an emphasis on authentic period technique, seeking to balance Marais's complex technical requirements with the improvisational freedom expected in the period. Upon its release, the recording was noted by critics for its clarity and the stylistic synergy between the two performers, serving as a significant contemporary interpretation of the standard viol repertoire.