Influence Church, Victoria Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4AS

This programme paints a musical picture of the chamber music presented to Louis XIV by his favourite composers. Composers who were allowed into the inner circle of the king were given the title ‘musicien pour la chambre du Roy’: their tasks included providing music for the king in his private rooms. Some of the best chamber music of the period was written for these occasions.

The music

François Couperin (1668–1733): ‘La Française’, for two violins and basso continuo

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre: (1665–1729): Prélude in F major for harpsichord solo

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre: Trio Sonata in B flat major for violin, viola da gamba, and basso continuo

Marin Marais (1656–1728): Arabesque for viola da gamba and basso continuo

Marin Marais: Sonnerie de Ste Geneviève du Mont de Paris, for violin, viola da gamba, and basso continuo

Louis-Nicolas Clérambault (1676–1749): Chaconne in A major

Louis-Nicolas Clérambault: Trio Sonata in E minor: ‘La Magnifique’ for violin, viola da gamba, and basso continuo

Jean Philippe Rameau (1683–1764): Pièces de clavecin en concert no. 3 in A major for harpsichord, violin and viola da gamba

The musicians

Nicolette Moonen violin, Oliver Webber violin, Reiko Ichise viola da gamba, Silas Wollston harpsichord