Jordi Savall - Monsieur de Machy: Pieces de violle (1988)

Mr Demachy's 'Pieces de violle' of 1685 are for viole solo, scored without basso continuo. Demachy represents the previous generation to Marais and Forqueray le pere, whose works included a separate bass voice in addition to the viole.
This CD has Suites 1, 3 and 4 which consist of a formal prelude (absent in the third suite) followed by short movements with dance titles, a practise common with consort music for viol ensembles. These are dances in name only as the music is sedate and sombre. The music generates an atmosphere of solitude and reflection. A few movements are plucked, lute fashion, and these are especially haunting. The sound of the viole plucked is quite unworldly, sounding like a very soft-voiced lute.
The playing on this CD is exemplary, with none of the murmuring normally associated with Jordi Savall's recordings. A seventeenth century seven-string viole by an anonymous French maker is employed which has a particularly warm sound. The impression is of a musician in total control of the expressive potential of the bass viole.