For Trio Basiliensis, the process of learning and exploring new avenues continues. Some years ago, Marianne began studying another neglected instrument, the Baroque musette, the French court bagpipes of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The pastoral tradition of Arcadia was very much part of Italian and French art and Louis XIV entered into the spirit of this with enthusiasm. The folk bagpipes were elevated to the status of court instrument, in which process the instrument-making families of Hotteterre and Chedeville were heavily involved. A little appreciated by-product of the development of this immensely complicated instrument was that the makers learned much about improving the recorder and oboe. The trio is now gradually incorporating the musette into its programmes of French music. These will be presented at a pitch of A=392, which is best for the musette. Fortunately, one of the trio's harpsichords transposes to this pitch.

To hear mp3 recordings of Trio Basiliensis, click on the appropriate title below.

CONCERNING BABELL & SON
Ars Musici, 1996
AM1167-2
Charles Rosier: Sonata in G minor, 1st Movement
Track time: 1.47
Size: 1.3 MB

In this movement Marianne embellishes what is, on the written page, a relatively thin melody according to the principles laid out in the English recorder tutors of the 1680s and '90s. If this seems extreme (as it may do to some ears, with expressive intonation more common in folk music), remember that the tutors were notated in tablature, a medium with which it is very difficult to argue!

Handel/Babell: Overture to Rinaldo
Track time: 3.08
Size: 2.2 MB

The overture to Handel's opera Rinaldo was transcribed and published for solo harpsichord, together with many other movements, by Charles Babell's son William in 1715. Charles Burney condemned him for what he considered tasteless ornamentation; he was, however writing in the 1770s.

Arcangelo Corelli: Sonata, op. 5 no. 5, Allegro
Track time: 1.26
Size 1.02 MB
For commentary, see text.

KAMMERMUSIK MIT BLOCKFLÖTE
Ars Musici, 1994
AM 1105-2 Jean-Marie Leclair: Sonate VIII à trois
Track time: 2.06
Size: 1.5 MB

In this trio sonata movement the instrument specified is the transverse flute, but here Marianne uses an accepted transcription process, playing the part on the voice flute, a recorder in D with a similar range to the then transverse flute. The gamba has here an equal solo role with the voice flute, instead of its normal accompanying continuo role.

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