Les Voix Humaines: Abel, Bach, Marais, Sainte-Colombe

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
The sound of the cello is often compared to the human voice but, as Jordi Savall proves on the riveting Les Voix Humaines, perhaps that analogy is better suited for another instrument, the viola da gamba. Switching between two viols (one dating from 1550, the other 1697), Savall makes solo Baroque works by Bach, Marin Marais, and Sainte-Colombe literally sing. As the gambist-conductor explains in the liner notes, a debate hit the music world in the 17th century that pitted melodic playing versus harmony. Though no conclusions were agreed upon, it's fascinating to hear the diverse styles--Italian versus French, melodic versus harmonic, etc.--that Savall presents us. His playing is soulful and thoughtful, never rushed, and the recorded sound intimate and precise. One of Savall's best discs (no small feat!) and a must-have for early-music lovers. --Jason Verlinde --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Tracks:

Prld in d
Allemande BWV 1011 in d
Aria Burlesca in d
La Cloche - Saraband in F
La Cloche - Saraband in F
Prld in d
Les Voix Humaines in D
La Du Vaucel
Vivace
Harke, Harke in g
Plainte in C
Menuet I, Gigue BWV 1007 in C
Menuet II, Gigue BWV 1007 in c
Good Againe in G
Prld in e
Sarabande A L'Espangnol in e
The Lancashire Pipes in E
Fant En Rondeau in g
Sarabande-Double BWV 1002 in g
Sarabande-Double BWV 1002 in g
Bourree BWV 1010 in G

Amazon.com essential recording

The sound of the cello is often compared to the human voice but, as Jordi Savall proves on the riveting Les Voix Humaines, perhaps that analogy is better suited for another instrument, the viola da gamba. Switching between two viols (one dating from 1550, the other 1697), Savall makes solo Baroque works by Bach, Marin Marais, and Sainte-Colombe literally sing. As the gambist-conductor explains in the liner notes, a debate hit the music world in the 17th century that pitted melodic playing versus harmony. Though no conclusions were agreed upon, it's fascinating to hear the diverse styles--Italian versus French, melodic versus harmonic, etc.--that Savall presents us. His playing is soulful and thoughtful, never rushed, and the recorded sound intimate and precise. One of Savall's best discs (no small feat!) and a must-have for early-music lovers. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Human Voice Communicating Peace .......2007-07-20

This is a nice collection of pieces for the viola da gamba which explores the range of the instrument in the Baroque period. These consist of sets of French or Italian inspired pieces along with a set of pieces by English composers. These include works by Marais, Hume, Sainte-Colombe (the younger), De Machy, Forqueray, K.F. Abel, J.S. Bach, J. Schenck and others.

The "human voice" is that of the viola which it is said the instrument closely imitates in all its expressions of joy and sadness. This is due to the way in which the bow of the instrument is drawn across the strings, the length of which is thought to approximate the length of time it takes for a normal breath of the human voice. A close listening of these pieces bears that thought out. I find myself breathing along with the instrument as I listen. This is quiet, reflective music which I find unclutters my mind and communicates peace.

Jordi Savall is God.......2005-03-17

It's been said before, but it deserves to be said again.

Viola da Gamba at its best.......2003-04-14

Jordi Savall is a player of rare sensitivity and virtuosity. This CD of solo works for the viola da gamba is an encylopedia of gamba styles and a treasure chest of baroque compositions. From start to finish this CD is riveting, the beauty of his playing and the compositions is awe inspiring. The recording is excellent and the liner notes are informative. Savall's playing of Maris is heartrending, and his interpretation of movements from the Bach cello suites is revelatory. This CD is a great introduction to the viola da gamba as well as a treasure trove for any gamba fan.

The true "human voice" of the baroque.......2000-10-19

As always in J.Savall, the reconstruction of the baroque sounds & spirit is perfect. This time the music really succeds in filling the XXI century listener with the tortured spirit of the XVI century. A last recomendation, it is a record to be listened to in the dark.

Average customer rating:

Like overhearing a personal conversation of great depth

Solo

Manufacturer: Glossa
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Schenk: The Nymphs of the Rhine, Vol. 2
Marais: Le Labyrinthe & autres histoires... /Pandolfo * Meyerson * Boysen

ASIN: B000007TLP
Release Date: 2000-02-14

Tracks:

Aria della Monicha
Pass'emezzo antico
Pass'emezzo moderno
The Punckes delight
A Pavan
Daphne
Whoope doe me no harm
Come live with me
Prelude
Le Badinage
Les Voix Humaines
Aire en rondeau
Prelude
Allmande
Courante
Sarabande
Bourrees 1 & 2
Gigue
Arpeggiata
Adagio
Allegro
A Solo

Customer Reviews:

Like overhearing a personal conversation of great depth.......1999-06-08

This is the first time I have bought a CD of solo viol music and before this disc I had never heard of Paolo Pandolfo. This music is an intensly personal journey through five centuries. The solo performance intensifies what is already beautiful music. From a set of variations on a late medieval tune to Pandolfo's own compostion that concludes the disc, this is music of great depth and beauty. Included is an idiomatic and engaging transcription of Bach's fourth suite for cello that sits comfortably between the music of Marais, Sainte-Colombe and Abel.

The recording is superb and on suitable equipment reveals every nuance of the performance. The CD is elegantly packaged. I will certainly be seeking out more recordings by Paolo Pandolfo.

Highly recommended!

Music Review: