Suite En Fa Min. [CF:524-07519]

The Rochester Library, in the state of New York, conserves the following manuscript under the reference Vault M1490B113: Album of selected Pieces for one or two flutes. These twenty seven suites for recorder, most of which are English, were assembled by the bassoonist Charles Babell, whose activity is documented between 1697 and 1714 at the Queen's Theatre in Haymarket, as well as in Drury Lane. Hawkins affirms that he held the bassoon position until the age of eighty. His son William leaves us the Concertos in seven parts (opus 3, London, 1730) for one or two recorders and strings. The court suite, presented here, by Marin Marais is the first piece in Charles Babeil's album. It is not transcribed from any instrumental opus known to us, and seems to be unpublished. Marin Marais (1656-1728) was violist of the "Chambre du Roi" for forty-five years. He leaves us five books of pieces for viol, as well as a book for violin, and a book of Trios for the flutes and violins, the first of its kind in France. He is also the author of four operas, among which the renowned Alcyone (1706). -Pierre Boragno, translated by Jacqueline Rose