Jordi Savall (viola da gamba), Christophe Coin (viola da gamba), Hopkinson Smith (theorbo), Ton Koopman (harpsichord), Anne Gallet (harpsichord), AliaVox AVSA 9872 A/E (5 CDs)*****

If there’s one name associated with the viol at the time of its greatest cultivation, it’s that of the French composer Marin Marais (1656-1728), subject of the film

Tous les matins du monde

. And if there’s one name associated with the instrument in our own time, it’s Jordi Savall, who played on the film’s soundtrack. Savall’s own label Alia Vox here reissues the five classic Marais collections he recorded for Astrée between 1975 and 1992. The suites are made up of dances and character pieces, and there’s something about the grainy nasality of the viol, at least as played by Savall, which makes everything sound personal. Savall’s virtuosity can be taken for granted, and the focus always seems to be on communication rather than demonstration. A cherishable set. See url.ie/6l9q