The Mystery of Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe

‘Tous les matins du monde’: beyond Pascal Quignard’s novel and Alain Corneau’s 1991 hit film, who knows of Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, a master of the viola da gamba from the second half of the 17th century and a contemporary of Lully? On their new CD, Florence Bolton and Benjamin Perrot, of the French ensemble La Rêveuse, together with musicologist Matteo di Capua, attempt to unravel the mystery.

Gerard ter Borch: "A scholar in his study, seated at a table reading a book" (1645)

In the absence of reliable biographical sources, the legendary aura surrounding Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, master of the viola da gamba in the second half of the 17th century and a contemporary of Lully, has been fuelled above all by literary and cinematic fiction. These works have embedded him in the collective imagination through his relationship with Marin Marais, his most famous pupil. Yet the only tangible trace of his existence remains his music. This is why Florence Bolton and Benjamin Perrot, of the French ensemble La Rêveuse, have chosen to perform his works in the light of research conducted by musicologist Matteo Di Capua, who restored the collection of Concerts à deux violes. The release of a portrait album devoted to this composer offers an opportunity to move beyond the stereotype of the mysterious viol player and attempt, as far as possible, to discern the real figure behind the artist. An interview with Florence Bolton and Matteo Di Capua.

“Legend,” “ghost,” “Orpheus of the Grand Siècle” … But who exactly was this mysterious Sainte-Colombe?