Hidden Gems

Ensemble Molière is bringing to light a sparkling kaleidoscope of Hidden Gems from the French Baroque. 

ENSEMBLE MOLIÈRE
Flavia Hirte - baroque flute
Alice Earll - baroque violin
Kate Conway - viola da gamba
Catriona McDermid - baroque bassoon
Satoko Doi-Luck - harpsichord

The first half of the eighteenth century saw French instrumental music develop a sophisticated chamber repertoire, shaped by a growing dialogue between French and Italian styles. This album brings together works by Couperin, Brossard, Duphly, Guillemain, Quentin, Corrette, Dandrieu, Delalande and Collin de Blamont. From the expressive contrasts of Couperin's La Sultanne to the dance rhythms and counterpoint of later works, this programme reveals the variety of French chamber music across the period. Performed by Ensemble Molière, these pieces show composers adapting Italian forms and techniques while retaining a distinctly French sense of balance, colour and character. The programme also celebrates the many unique and distinctive instrument combinations that Ensemble Molière offer, as they explore the flexible performance practices of the period.

“the ravishing textures available to these instruments made for an exceptional concert"– Edinburgh Music Review