On the occasion of the 2006 Grandes Journées Marin Marais, the Éditions du CMBV publishes three orchestral suites from his operas. The important role that Marais played in the evolution of the genre is well known, in particular in his instrumental pieces. Here is an opportunity to pick from his best orchestral works: his famous storms, and in particular that of Alcione, copied many times and never equalled, the chaconnes, the airs for trumpets, the gigues, the rondeaux... It is here that one finds one of the first mentions of the double bass in the orchestra. The orchestra is essentially made up of five string parts "à la française", but there are also different trios for flutes, oboes or violins, of all levels of difficulty. Of course, as was commonly practised, these symphonies are also very effective complete in concert.