In an ideal world, the works of Jan Dismas Zelenka would be as familiar as those of Johann Sebastian Bach, or Georg Philipp Telemann. Both were friends and colleagues of Zelenka, and both admired his work. The 1741 Missa Omnium Sanctorum is one such work. It’s a major work (over 50 minutes long), and an […]
Baroque music
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Ensemble Il Demetrio deliver thoughtful performances of Tartini
The liner notes lay out the problems with these Giuseppe Tartini works. In the late 1760s, the term a Quattro (in 4 parts) was somewhat vague. Did Tartini intend his Sonate a Quattro to be played with only four string instruments, as a proto-string quartet? And what about the role of the harpsichord, tacitly a […]
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Stefano Molardi branches out with Bach Family Organ Works
Consider this release a companion volume to Stefano Molardi’s previous Bach recording. That 2-disc set featured the complete works of Johann Michael Bach and Johann Christoph Bach (Johann Sebastian’s first cousin, once removed). There was enough material by J.M. Bach and J.C. Bach to fill two CDs. Not so in the case of the family members […]
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Telemann Wind Quintets, Vol. 1 – Pleasantly tuneful
Let’s be clear: the wind ensemble of Telemann’s time was vastly different than the ones we have today. Clarinets, metal flutes, valved brass instruments, and percussion were later additions to the ensemble. The lineup of L’Orfeo Bläserensemble is one Telemann was familiar with: two oboe d’amore, two F horns, and bassoon. Lute and cembalo provide […]
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Ensemble Imaginaire performs Durante with light touch
This double-disc release features eight string concertos by Francesco Durante, plus one that’s never been recorded before. Durante was a major figure in the early 18th Century. His music helped define the Neopolitan Galante Style. It was clean, clear, and relatively free of ornamentation. For the most part, the concertos on this release follow the […]
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Organ works by Johann Michael Bach & Johann Christoph Bach – A family resemblance
Johann Sebastian Bach wasn’t the only musical Bach (perhaps just the greatest one). The Bach family was a virtual dynasty of musical talent that spanned generations. This release focuses on two brothers: Johann Michael and Johann Christoph Bach. Johann Christoph (1642-1703) helped teach the young Johann Sebastian (his first cousin, once removed). Johann Michal’s daughter, […]
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Delightful Lonati Sinfonias performed by Ensemble Gardino di Delizie
Carlo Ambrogio Lonati was considered one of the greatest violinists of the late 1600s. Little of his music survives, including just 10 sinfonias. These works provide some insight into the level of Lonati’s skill, both as a composer and a performer. Lonati’s sinfonias a 3 require considerable skill to perform. The music often demands double […]
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Heinrich Schütz Madrigale & Hochzeitsmusiken Bring Element of Fun
Carus concludes their traversal of Heinrich Schutz’s music with a collection of secular compositions. Schutz was primarily known for his sacred compositions, which influenced generations of Protestant composers (especially in Germany). This release features secular madrigals and wedding music that show a different aspect of Schutz. Schutz studied in Venice as a young man. The […]
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Christoph Graupner Solo and Dialogue Cantatas Surprisingly Light and Airy
CPO continues their exploration of Christoph Graupner’s catalog with a selection of his solo and dialogue cantatas. There’s a lot to choose from. This set includes five of his 177 surviving sacred cantatas. They span a decade, from 1709 to 1719. Yet all five cantatas are surprisingly consistent in style. In these works, the music […]