François-André Danican Philidor (1726-1795)
Quatuor n° 1 pour flûte, deux violons et basse continue
Quatuor n° 2 pour hautbois, deux violons et basse continue
Quatuor n° 3 pour flûte, deux violons et basse continue
Quatuor n° 4 pour hautbois, deux violons et basse continue
Quatuor n° 5 pour flûte, deux violons et basse continue
Quatuor n° 6 pour flûte, deux violons et basse continue

Camerata Köln

François André Danican Philidor, the scion of a family of musicians looking back on a highly distinguished tradition, is known today above all as a chess grand master, but he was also a musician who began serving King Louis XV at an early age. Since the royal chapel had brought together the best musicians of the time, he became very thoroughly acquainted with the practical and theoretical sides of music at Versailles. The six quartets entitled L’art de la modulation from 1755 are among the relatively limited number of quatuors for three concertizing upper voices and basso continuo published in Paris during the years of the ancien régime. The title L’art de la modulation refers to the bold elements of compositiona technique and harmony inherent in the idea behind the work and perhaps owing to the chess player Philidor’s analytical mind. The harmony strays off on sudden shifts into remote and unexpected regions, offers surprising progressions and excursions, but always quite naturally makes its way back to the tonal center.