Lucile Boulanger & Pierre Hantaï: Salle Cortot

About the Event

Throughout the 17th century, the viola da gamba reigned supreme in the musical world, an instrument played in aristocratic circles and bourgeois households alike, throughout Europe. The great composers paid magnificent tribute to it, but it can be said that the greatest of all was Marin Marais, whose six books of pieces for the viola da gamba comprise nearly six hundred scores. This sublime music fascinated the whole of Europe, including, two generations later, the great Bach, who in turn paid a brilliant tribute to the majesty of the viola with his Sonatas for Harpsichord and Viola da Gamba. Admittedly, as the title suggests, this collection reverses the ‘balance of power’ between the two instruments (after all, Bach was one of the great harpsichord virtuosos of his time), but the viola part is nonetheless magnificent in its counterpoint and depth.

Combining rigour and freedom, precision and eloquence, Lucile Boulanger and Pierre Hantaï bring out the full humanity of these composers. With her highly sensitive musicality, the violist was awarded a Victoire de la Musique in 2025. The harpsichordist remains one of the leading authorities on the interpretation of Bach and Marais and a role model for younger generations: this concert promises to be a summit meeting.
‘Book’