The Suite for 2 Cellos consists of six dance movements excerpted from Book III of Marin Marais’ Pieces de viole (Paris, France 1711.) Originally composed for viola da gamba, this edition is transcribed into the bass and tenor clefs so as to be easily read by the modern cellist. Some of the chords are re-voiced to facilitate execution.
A reprint of the gamba part manuscript is included (also available online from the Bibliothèque nationale de France). The original figured bass part is transcribed and presented in modern typeset.
The Suite may be successfully performed with 2 cellos, cello and keyboard (player must read figured bass), or cello with basso continuo. |