Visee & Monteclair: Echoes Of Versailles

The success these pieces enjoyed at court over several years during the late King's private concerts, and above all the high regard in which they were held by that great sovereign, ultimately prompted me to present them to the public in printed form. The acclaim they have already received gives me hope that they will be well received.' With these words, Robert de Visee introduces his collection Pieces de Theorbe et de Luth mises en partition, Dessus et Basse, published in 1716. It represents a significant innovation, as works for lute, theorbo and guitar were published for the first time in full score with treble and bass parts. This meant that Louis XIV's favourite pieces could now be performed not only as solo works but also in a chamber music setting.The album by Marion Treupel-Franck and Axel Wolf combines de Visee's lute suites with Michel Pignolet de Monteclair's Brunetes anciennes et modernes appropriees a la flute traversiere avec une basse d'accompagnement. This collection of popular melodies was inspired by songs that opera-goers would sing on their way home.