This 2 CD set aims to give the listener a good idea of the range of music composed by a remarkable musical dynasty, the Forqueray family. They were a family of organists, viol players and harpsichordists. They were every bit as remarkable as the other great musical dynasties, the Bendas, Stamitzs, Bachs, and the Strauss family.

The most famous member of the Forqueray family (their Johann Sebastian) was Antoine, who was born in 1672, a virtuoso gambist. His output forms the backbone of the French repertoire for this instrument. None of his music was published during his lifetime, and his son Jean-Baptiste (born 1699), another viol player, devoted his time to publishing his father’s works. Michel, born in 1681, and Nicolas-Gilles, born in 1703, were superb keyboard players.

This set offers a rare chance to hear the music of all four composers, centred around characterful suites for harpsichord and viole da gamba but including songs, and is an ideal introduction for those wishing to explore this important musical dynasty from the Baroque period.

New recordings made in 2008/9.

Track Listing:
CD 1
Michel (?) Forqueray
1. Prélude de Forcroy
Antoine Forqueray
Suite in D minor
2. La La Borde. Allemande
3. La Forqueray
4. La Cottin
5. La Bellmont
6. La Portugaise
7. La Couperin1
8. Musette
Michel Forqueray
9. Musette "N’espère plus, jeune Lisette"
Antoine Forqueray
Suite in G
10. La Bouron
11. La Mandoline
12. La du Breüil
13. La Leclair
14. La Buisson. Chaconne

CD 2
Antoine Forqueray
1. Allemande
Jean-Baptiste Forqueray
2. La Angrave
3. La du Vaucel
4. La Morangis ou La Plissay – Chaconne
Antoine Forqueray
5. La Marella
6. La d’Aubonne – Sarabande
Michel Forqueray
7. Le Papillon et La Rose
Antoine Forqueray
Suite in C minor
8. La Rameau
9. La Guignon
10. La Léon – Sarabande
11. La Boisson
12. La Montigni
13. La Silva
14. Jupiter