Marais & Forqueray: La Gamme (et autres morceaux de simphonie)

‘La Gamme (et autres morceaux de simphonie)’ heralds the return of Sonnerie to the trio format and marks their debut recording on Linn Records. The all-French programme of music by composers Marin Marais and Antoine Forqueray recalls the Songs of the Auvergne and the beautiful French countryside. Trio Sonnerie delivers an expertly phrased and highly nuanced performance of Marias’ La Gamme. Marais’ contemporary Forqueray provides a welcome addition to the programme. His own prowess on the viol inspired his fiendishly virtuosic Suite No. 1 which stretched the performers to achieve new heights. Each performer has the opportunity to shine with the clean, crisp lines leaving no room for anything other than top notch playing. Trio Sonnerie (Monica Huggett director & violin, Emilia Benjamin viola da gamba and James Johnstone harpsichord) is one of the longest established and most highly regarded chamber groups working in Europe today. Trio Sonnerie and Sonnerie, its alter ego, has made countless recordings and played in most national and international early music festivals. The musicians bring to this repertoire ‘playing of real elegance’ (The Independent) and ‘one could even go as far as to say musical bliss!’ (The Times).