Symphonies divided by tone sequences

It has been nearly thirty years since any monographic publication was devoted to Pierre Gaultier de Marseille, a 17th-century French composer who remains largely unknown. With this new recording, the Polish ensemble Cohaere brings his Symphonies divided into tone suites back to life, a repertoire that combines aristocratic elegance, majestic melancholy, and rustic cheerfulness. Published in 1707 by Christophe Ballard, holder of the royal privilege, these works testify to the esteem in which Gaultier was held and continued to delight music lovers long after his death.

The original edition offers valuable flexibility: the melody can be played on the flute or violin, and the trio suites lend themselves to various instrumental combinations, allowing the ensemble to create rich and varied textures. Cohaere takes full advantage of this freedom, offering an interpretation that is both faithful to the French style and resolutely contemporary in its energy and clarity. The dancing rhythms and refined ornamentation thus take on a new dimension, revealing Gaultier’s subtle genius and the modernity of his musical conception.

Founded by young musicians passionate about early music, Cohaere Ensemble quickly made a name for itself on the European scene. Winner of the First Prize at the 2021 Val de Loire International Early Music Competition (CIMA), it joined the European EEEMERGING+ program in 2022, dedicated to supporting young ensembles. Since then, the ensemble has performed at numerous prestigious festivals such as Utrecht (Fringe), Torroella, Pavia, and the Ambronay Festival, where it has won over audiences with its infectious energy and musical sensitivity.

With this recording, Cohaere does more than simply revive a forgotten repertoire: he gives it a voice and vitality that captivate the contemporary ear, confirming the timeless charm and expressive richness of 17th-century French music.