Boismortier: 6 Sonatas for 2 Pardessus de viole, Op. 63

This abum contains the premiere recording of 6 Sonatas,Op. 63, originally published in 1737 (edition published byAtelier Philidor in 2021). The compositions are exquisiteand expressive and have not been heard since the mid-18th century since the engraved score has only recentlybeen discovered.They are quintessentially French in their general musicalstyle, making extensive use of prescribed ornamentation.The pardessus de viole enjoyed a considerable vogue inFrance towards the middle of the 18th century. For toolong the pardessus de viole, which has an almost indenticalrange to the violin, has been commonly regarded - evenwithout being heard - as a kind of toy instrument. Nowwe know otherwise after experiencing how similar, exceptfor it's different register, the pardessus instrument is toall the other members of it's family, including the familiarbass viol.The recent discovery of Boismortier's Op. 63 for two6-string pardessus de viole is an exciting and importantfind and FHR are very happy to publish the first recording.