In the ever-evolving journey of rediscovering forgotten musical treasures, a remarkable new release has emerged to thrill Baroque and flute enthusiasts alike. Voix humaines. Marais: Pièces inédites pour flûte, released by Alpha Classics in March 2025, unveils a collection of previously unpublished flute compositions by Marin Marais, the celebrated French composer of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
A Manuscript Rediscovered
The story begins in 2023, when American musicologist and collector Michael Lynn acquired an anonymous 18th-century manuscript at auction. What lay within turned out to be a significant discovery: a treasure trove of flute works attributed to Marin Marais, whose known output for the instrument was until now minimal. Though primarily renowned for his viola da gamba music, Marais’s lyrical genius extended well beyond, as this manuscript now proves.
The Passion of Interpretation
Enter François Lazarevitch, the acclaimed flutist, musette player, and director of Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien. A passionate advocate for historically informed performance, Lazarevitch immediately recognized the value of the works and assembled a program based on them, aptly titled “Voix Humaines”, named after one of the standout pieces in the collection.
These pieces are not only a testament to Marais’s melodic elegance but also a rare glimpse into the expressive palette of the French Baroque flute tradition – ranging from introspective sarabandes to lively gigues and pastoral musettes.
Joining Lazarevitch on this album are two masterful collaborators: Lucile Boulanger on viola da gamba and Éric Bellocq on theorbo and baroque guitar. Together, they breathe life into music that, until now, lay dormant for centuries.
A Rich and Rare Listening Experience
The recording includes new transcriptions of the pieces, prepared with exceptional care and attention to historical performance practice. Listeners are treated to the graceful articulation of the Baroque traverso, the haunting textures of the viola da gamba, and the gentle resonance of the theorbo – blending into a soundscape that is both intimate and profoundly moving.
The album doesn’t just offer rare repertoire; it provides an emotional journey through the refined aesthetic of the French Baroque. As François Lazarevitch notes, “Hearing previously unknown music from a genius like Marais is a rare event. It’s a gift for our time.”
A Momentous Release
The album is available via Alpha Classics and NativeDSD, as well as on streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. CD shipments began March 27, with an official release date of March 28, 2025.
For all who appreciate Marin Marais’s genius – or are simply curious to hear the sound of forgotten human voices rising anew – this is an extraordinary release not to be missed.
