Love Reconciled

+++++++++ The CD version of "Love Reconciled" is now OUT OF PRINT. It is still available on iTunes / Apple Music / Spotify and other streaming services.+++++++++++

Classical musicians can be notoriously focused and single-minded. Even given this trait, the efforts of Marais Project Director, viola da gambist Jennifer Eriksson in bringing her favourite composer, Marin Marais (1656-1728) before the Australian musical public, is extraordinary. In 2000, completely un-funded, she set herself the task of performing all of Marais' 600 works, collected in five books titled Pièces de viole. Known as the "Paganni of the viola da gamba" (or bass viol), Marais still represents the pinnacle of viol playing. Ten years on with several ABC Classic FM studio recordings and Sunday Live Broadcasts under its collective belt, a thriving annual subscription series and dozens of concerts to its credit, Eriksson's ensemble is further cementing its position as Australia's most dynamic exponents of the French viola da gamba repertoire with the release of its second CD, Love Reconciled on the MOVE label.

Produced by the award-winner Llew Kiek, Love Reconciled features some of Australia's leading early musicians: lutenist Tommie Andersson, gambists Daniel Yeadon and Catherine Upex, violinist Fiona Ziegler, up and coming harpsichordist Chris Berensen, soprano Belinda Montgomery and of course Eriksson herself. Reflecting Jennifer's meticulous approach to programming, the CD's running order is carefully constructed to present the little heard solo and duo viola da gamba repertoire creatively, the "meat" of the viol solo suites being sandwiched between a delightful trio sonata by Morel and a witty, similarly scored short ballet by Sydney composer Stephen Yates on French baroque themes.

Virtually every work on the CD represents an first Australian commercial recording from the monumental Tombeau de Mr. Meliton, the lament Marais wrote for two bass viols upon the death of his friend Meliton, to the Chaconne by Jacques Morel, Marais' suite for two viola da gambas in d minor and, of course, Yates' ballet music. Soprano Belinda Montgomery rounds off the CD with performances of two of Bouteiller's rarely heard motets for two viola da gambas and continuo, in the process contributing another Australian "first".