Sounds of St Cecilia’s I: Clair-Obscur

Marin Marais, Silvius Leopold Weiss and J.S. Bach, recognised for the extraordinary beauty of their works, were first admired as virtuosos of their respective instruments: viol, lute, and keyboard. As composers and as improvisers, they took inspiration in each other’s harmonic language and flourishing and particular ornamentation. These three composers are brought together again, with clair-obscur pieces of indescribable darkness and melancholy, in contrast with moments of brightness and serenity. Alongside Bach’s keyboard suites, Khou has adapted for harpsichord some particularly touching pieces by Marais and Weis. Supported by the Keyboard Charitable Trust.