Ensemble Molière’s 2nd album.

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.