Stéphanie Paulet, one of the most brilliant French baroque violinists, plunges us into the world of Louis-Gabriel Guillemain, 18th-century composer, at the heart of the Enlightenment. A programme alternating pieces for solo violin of formidable virtuosity, sonatas, symphonies, divertimentos and ‘amusements’.

"When talking of a full fiery man, one of genius and vivacity, one must name Mr Guillemain, ordinaire of the King’s music, who is, perhaps, the most rapid and the most extraordinary violin ever to be heard; his hand dazzles, there are no difficulties that can stop him, and he alone creates them in his own skilful productions that at times embarrass his rivals. This famous artiste is one of the most prolific of the great masters, and it is agreed that his works are filled with the most zestful beauty.”

Born in the latter years of Louis XIV’s reign, Guillemain, a brilliant violinist, was employed as a Court musician. He who became the protégé of Madame de Pompadour, the king’s favourite, was also a prolific composer, and the first in France to tackle the sonata for solo violin. His ultimate opus, the guiding thread of this disc, appears as a synthesis of his musical investigations. Each piece requires ever greater virtuosity, pushing further back the performance limits of the instrument.

With ensemble Aliquando, Stéphanie Paulet presents a broad and varied view of Guillemain’s output, accompanied by the finest French musicians of the day (Maude Gratton, François Lazarevich, Lucile Boulanger).