Sonatas for Harpsichord

On this CD:

1. Sonata for keyboard No 1 in G major, Op. 4/1
Composed by Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaia
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

2. Sonata for keyboard No 2 in F major, Op. 4/2
Composed by Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaia
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

3. Sonata for keyboard No 3 in G minor, Op. 4/3
Composed by Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaia
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

4. Sonata for keyboard No 4 in A major, Op. 4/4
Composed by Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaia
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

5. Sonata for keyboard No 5 in C major, Op. 4/5
Composed by Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaia
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

6. Sonata for keyboard No 6 in A minor, Op. 4/6
Composed by Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaia
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

Customer Reviews:

DEFINITIVE.......2006-04-19

Ralph Kirkpatrick pretty much brought the music of Domenico Scarlatti back from oblivion. If that was not enough, he practically made Scarlatti's sonati his own by his inspired playing of them. This is the reissue of his 1970 recording for Archiv playing the Reiner Schuetze instrument, with several more sonati than were on the original. Kirkpatrick's playing and the excellence of the remastering make this a real collector's item. There is passion without the saccharine sound some modern performances on piano have added.

Great Performances of Scarlatti's Sonatas for Harpsichord.......2004-11-20

Ralph Kirkpatrick was not only a distinguished performer of the harpsichord and teacher (He spent most of his adult life as a professor of music at Yale, after being trained in Europe as well as America.), but also became a superb scholar of Baroque music with his acclaimed biography of Scarlatti. Here in this relatively inexpensive CD are his riveting performances of 21 of Scarlatti's harpsichord sonatas, recorded by Archiv (Deutsche Grammophon) in the mid 1960's. I can't single out one performance as a personal favorite, since all of these are quite good. Thanks to the latest digital 24-bit remastering, the sound quality is superb. Indeed, this fine CD is as excellent as the previously released Archiv CD sets of J. S. Bach's "Well Tempered Clavier", which Kirkpatrick played on the clavichord, not the piano.

Bach: Complete Sonatas for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord / Pinnock, Podger

Average customer rating:

An unexpected delight
Wonderful and Stirring
Exceptional Sonata Recording
Words should fail me
Podger gets better and better

Bach: Complete Sonatas for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord / Pinnock, Podger
Rachel Podger , and Trevor Pinnock
Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Complete Sonatas & Partitas for Violin Solo
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Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin, Vol. 2 [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00005056Z
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Tracks:

Son No.6 in G, BWV1019: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019: Largo - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019: Allegro (Cembalo Solo) - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.1 in b, BWV1014: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.1 in b, BWV1014: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.1 in b, BWV1014: Andante - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.1 in b, BWV1014: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.2 in A, BWV1015: Dolce - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.2 in A, BWV1015: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.2 in A, BWV1015: Andante Un Poco - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.2 in A, BWV1015: Presto - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.3 in E, BWV1016: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.3 in E, BWV1016: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.3 in E, BWV1016: Adagio Ma Non Tanto - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.3 in E, BWV1016: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Continuo Son in e, BWV1023: (Allegro) - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Continuo Son in e, BWV1023: Adagio Ma Non Tanto - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Continuo Son in e, BWV1023: Allemanda - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Continuo Son in e, BWV1023: Gigue - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson

Tracks:

Continuo Son in G, BWV1021: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Continuo Son in G, BWV1021: Vivace - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Continuo Son in G, BWV1021: Largo - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Continuo Son in G, BWV1021: Presto - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.4 in c, BWV1017: Largo - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.4 in c, BWV1017: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.4 in c, BWV1017: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.4 in c, BWV1017: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.5 in f, BWV1018: (Largo) - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.5 in f, BWV1018: Allegro - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.5 in f, BWV1018: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.5 in f, BWV1018: Vivace - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019a: Vivace - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019a: Largo - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019a: Cembalo Solo - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019a: Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019a: Vn Solo E Basso L'accompagnato - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.6 in G, BWV1019a: Presto Ab Initio Repetatur Et Claudatur - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger/Jonathan Manson
Son No.6 Version 2, BWV1019a: Cantabile Ma Un Poco Adagio - Trevor Pinnock/Rachel Podger

Amazon.com

Rachel Podger's growing reputation among early-music enthusiasts is buttressed by this set of Bach's sonatas for violin and continuo. Her intonation is always on target, her tone sweet but not cloying. While she shares the understated interpretive stance of so many historically informed performers, she allows the emotions to shine through in, for example, the opening Largo of Sonata No. 5. And where the dancelike elements are to the fore, as in the Allegro of No. 6, she shows she can swing with the best. She's aided immeasurably by harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock, whose alert playing is enjoyable throughout. When Bach gives the continuo player his moment in the sun, as in the solo third movement of No. 6, he cuts loose with shapely playing that almost steals the show. So fans of current styles in early-music performance will enjoy this set, though they'll find more excitement in Andrew Manze's Harmonia Mundi set and in Fabio Bondi's on Opus 111. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

An unexpected delight.......2005-08-10

Within the first minute of listening to this CD, one is immediately captivated by Rachel Podger's gorgeous tone and intonation - a truly mellifluous sonority that ranks with the finest. Her subtle phrasings, gentle-but-sparing vibrato and deft bowing technique combine to produce a sound that is effortlessly cantabile, highly refreshing and never tiring to hear. She shapes her melody lines with great artistry and elegance - producing a sonorities of pure delight. Plus, her intonation sounds superbly "in tune" - which sometimes cannot be said about some violin music (especially that with a period violin). You hear all of these fine artistic qualities too in her Bach solo violin partitas/sonatas recordings (Channel) - complex pieces of music that are not only very difficult to play but even more difficult to make sound beautiful. Rachel Podger makes all this music of Bach sound not only easy but unusually beautiful - where you can listen to the entire CD without feeling it is too much.

Equally adept at this music is the ever-competent Baroque master, Mr. Trevor Pinnock, who not only provides interesting accompanyment to Podger but especially shines in the spotlit keyboard runs and solos. In these he maintains a spirited progression and crisp articulations throughout that keeps one in rapt attention. His cembalo solo in the #6 allegro (track 3) is downright sexy and can make one want to jump up and dance. His harpsichord sound is exceptionally warm and inviting (as harpsichords go) and not "clancky" as some can be. I surprisingly loved it. This is important for listening to an entire CD featuring that instrument! If you normally do not warm to the sound of the harpsichord, you may be pleasantly surprized that you like Pinnock's harpsichord here. Both musicians maintain an ideal balance between them with a delightfull interaction throughout the music that never seems labored or monotonous. Not an easy task for such music featuring only two instuments over two CD's.

Sometimes it is hard to define what exactly makes a fine performance but you know it when you hear it - and this is one of those. This duo's playing is completely in synch and makes the music come alive in a very natural and enjoyable way. Together, they bring out more of a carefree exuberance and lyrical depth in this music that others might not plumb. Also, the sound quality is sparkling and realistic - really superb. This CD was highly rated by Gramophone and Penguin Guide who give high marks for this duo's marvelous performance. The other performance that gets high marks from many guides is the lively version by Biondi & Allessandrini on Op. 111 done with Biondi's characteristic Italian expressivity and panache ... but it is a hard CD to find. In short, this beautiful recording - one of Podger's finest - is a gem not to be missed by the Baroque lover.

Wonderful and Stirring.......2004-06-13

Pinnock and Podger play wonderfully together. I never tire of this CD. Many joyful moments and many lovely, expressive moments. How does Podger do it? I could listen to her playing all day.

Exceptional Sonata Recording.......2001-05-08

Two CD collection of Bach's Sonatas for violin and harpsichord. I have always been a great fan of the harpsichord, and here Pinnock is outstanding in is chamber music capability.

The resonance of Podger's instrument is wonderful, so full and throaty and lyrical. I especially like the spirited Allegro to Sonata No. 6, and Pinnock's harpsichord solo on the Allegro of that opening Sonata.

The complexities of Bach's composition are here richly interpretated with good tempo and balance. The Cantabile is wonderfully charming.

A great Bach collection.

Words should fail me.......2001-03-02

but here they are. I bought my first copy of Bach's Violin and Harpsichord Sonatas after seeing the movie Tom Jones in about 1964. The sound track of the film features some lively harpsichord playing and I wanted to hear more. Unfortunately (I thought) the only lp of harpsichord music available had violin in addition, as well as viola da gamba. The version of the Bach sonatas by Menuhim, Malcolm and Gauntlett has been out of print for years, but it was a hum-dinger. It seduced me. I have bought other versions since then and always been disappointed until now. Podger, Pinnock and Jonathan Manson have done an amazing job.

Caution: if you buy this, close the curtains before playing. Otherwise your neighbors might get to see you dancing around in ecstacy. This stuff is refined rock and roll.

Podger gets better and better.......2001-01-13

Rachel Podger, concertmaster of Trevor Pinnock's The English Concert, is a fresh and winning violinist. Her sound is warm and accurate, and this recording can be recommended. She is more straightforward and natural in these marvelous sonatas than Andrew Manze, who was not at his best in his recent HM version. But my numero uno choice still is Fabio Biondi and Rinaldo Alessandrini in OPUS111. The Italian dream team play like gods, and the superior OPUS111 sound make their version the most desirable of all.

Average customer rating:

Buxtehude: Seven Trio Sonatas, Op. 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 1-6
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 7-12

ASIN: B000BRJXZ0
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio - Allegro
Grave
Vivace - Lento
Poco Adagio - Presto
Adagio - Allegro - Largo
Ariette, Parte I-X
Largo - Vivace
Vivace - Lento
Allegro - Lento
Andante
Grave - Gigue
Poco Adagio
Allegro - Lento
3/4 - Vivace
Allegro
Violino Solo - Concitato
Adagio: Viola Da Gamba Solo
Allegro - Adagio
6/4 - Poco Presto
Grave - Vivace
Adagio - Poco Presto - Lento
Allegro
Adagio - 4/4
Lento - Vivace
Largo - Allegro

Bach: Sonatas for Violin & Harpsichord, BWV 1014-1019; Sonatas for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord, BWV 1027-1029

Average customer rating:

Another emblematic homage in Bach ` s memory!
The dynamic duo
Don't forget the cello.
quirky but satisfying

Bach: Sonatas for Violin & Harpsichord, BWV 1014-1019; Sonatas for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord, BWV 1027-1029

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000028NN
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014: I. Adagio
Sonata No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014: II. Allegro
Sonata No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014: III. Andante
Sonata No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014: IV. Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In A Major, BWV 1015: I. Without Tempo Indication
Sonata No. 2 In A Major, BWV 1015: II. Allegro assai
Sonata No. 2 In A Major, BWV 1015: III. Andante un poco
Sonata No. 2 In A Major, BWV 1015: IV. Presto
Sonata No. 3 In E Major, BWV 1016: I. Adagio
Sonata No. 3 In E Major, BWV 1016: II. Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In E Major, BWV 1016: III. Adagio ma non tanto
Sonata No. 3 In E Major, BWV 1016: IV. Allegro
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017: I. Siciliano. Largo
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017: II. Allegro
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017: III. Adagio
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018: I. Largo
Sonata No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018: II. Allegro
Sonata No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018: III. Adagio
Sonata No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018: IV. Vivace
Sonata No. 6 In G Major, BWV 1019: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 6 In G Major, BWV 1019: II. Largo
Sonata No. 6 In G Major, BWV 1019: III. Allegro
Sonata No. 6 In G Major, BWV 1019: IV. Adagio
Sonata No. 6 In G Major, BWV 1019: V. Allegro
Sonata No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1027: I. Adagio
Sonata No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1027: II. Allegro ma non tanto
Sonata No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1027: III. Andante
Sonata No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1027: IV. Allegro moderato
Sonata No. 2 In D Major, BWV 1028: I. Adagio
Sonata No. 2 In D Major, BWV 1028: II. Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In D Major, BWV 1028: III. Andante
Sonata No. 2 In D Major, BWV 1028: IV. Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In G Minor, BWV 1029: I. Vivace
Sonata No. 3 In G Minor, BWV 1029: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 3 In G Minor, BWV 1029: III. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Another emblematic homage in Bach ` s memory!.......2006-03-01

Glenn Gould in mutual collaboration with Jaime Laredo and Leonard Rose, made a brilliant account of these well known Bach 's arrangements. Impeccable musicality, superb phrasing, flawless sonority, egregious intonation, unerring lyricism and superb expressiveness make of this album a must-reference.

Acquire it without blinking.

The dynamic duo.......2005-07-12

Most of the recordings I have heard of the sonatas for Harpsicord and Violin use a Harpsicord not a piano. One of the things that happens is that the harpsicord tends to get "lost" as the violin is such a more powerfull instrument. Here the roles of both are equall and the pianist (Glen Gould) is a strong personality that makes himself felt in the music.

The interaction between Gould and Laredo is electric. Both formidable artist together they create fireworks. The 1014 allegro for example which sounds quite layed back in Biondi's disk here really rocks - you can't help humming along to it (by the way I can't here Gould humming along to anything).

I prefer this version to the Penguin Rosetted Grumiaux version (Harpsicord gets lost) and the highly regarded Biondii version (boring). I guess it is not that authentic but Gould brings out the beauty, liveliness and complexity of Bach better then any other Pianist I know of and Laredo is an exellent Violinist.

I havn't had time to listen to the concertos with Rose yet that end the offering.

This may not be the "reference" but if you are going to buy one recording of these works then buy this one!

Don't forget the cello........2003-10-10

Notice that this contains the marvelous Gould - Rose collaboration on the three cello sonatas, still a perennial favorite of mine. This item may be the only way to come by this recording anymore.

quirky but satisfying.......2001-04-02

Gould's Bach is so iconoclastic that it's sometimes difficult to imagine him playing chamber music, especially the sonatas for obbligato klavier and melody instrument, where the close parity between the solo player and the keyboard player's right hand calls for a sensitivity and flexibility that might have been beyond, or beneath, Gould's reach. So one should be primed for suprises in Gould's collaboration with Laredo-- and indeed, there is no lack of them. While this issue is a questionable choice for a "reference" version of the six sonatas, it is splendid and unusual, making a an excellent alternative to the many excellent performances (particularly on harpsichord) in the catalogue. Particular highlights are Laredo's playing in the final movement of the fourth sonata, and Gould's solo in the third movement of the sixth, for keyboard alone, as well as Gould's creative realizations of the ground bass in sections where the keyboard part is not fully written. Note: while Gould did make some recordings on the harpsichord, this disc (despite the title) gives us Gould on the piano.

Average customer rating:

Provides a context for J.S. Bach
I like it~~~~~!!!!
Award-Winning Performances, and Deservedly So

Buxtehude: Seven Sonatas, Op. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007XHKYY
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

I. Vivace - Lento
II. Alegro - Adagio
III. Andante
IV. Grave - Presto
I. Lento - Vivace
II. Adagio - Allegro
III. Largo - Arioso
I. Adagio
II. Allegro
III. Lento - Vivace
IV. Largo - Presto - Adagio
I. Vivace - Allegro
II. Lento - Allegro
I. Vivace
II. Violino Solo - Allegro
III. Largo - Allegro
IV. Adagio - Allegro
I. Grave - Allegro
II. Con Discretione - Adagio
III. Vivace - (Con Discretione) Adagio
IV. Poco Presto - Poco Adagio Presto - Lento
I. Allegro - Largo
II. Presto - Vivace - Adagio
III. Poco Presto - Lento Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Provides a context for J.S. Bach.......2006-12-27

This is wonderful stuff. You can listen to it with pleasure without concerning yourself with history or musicology at all.

But if you ARE interested in such matters, Buxtehude was not only n influence upon, he was an inspiration to, the incomparable J.S. Bach. It takes nothing away from Bach to say that his genius didn't come from nowhere, it didn't drop onto this planet from Mars.

And when you listen with that thought in mind, you get extra levels of satisfaction from this recording.

I like it~~~~~!!!!.......2005-07-14

This is the first time that I hear the music of D.Buxtehude.
I feel the music is fresh and full of european style.What a beautiful Music!!!!

Award-Winning Performances, and Deservedly So.......2005-05-08

Although Dieterich Buxtehude (c. 1637-1707) spent most of his life in Lübeck, Germany, the Danes have always been proud to claim him as one of their own because he spent his formative years in Denmark. The Danish record label, da capo, originally published these performances of his Sonatas, Op. 1, for violin, viola da gamba and harpsichord, in 1995 and it won a Danish 'Grammy' that year. And no wonder. These are marvelous performances by three marvelous musicians -- John Holloway, violin, Jaap ter Linden, viola da gamba, and Lars Ulrik Mortensen, harpsichord. Holloway has recorded much baroque music, including a terrific set of Biber sonatas. For a time ter Linden seemed to appear on every baroque recording that came my way. Mortensen participated in one of my favorite recordings of this past year, a set that contained performances of Bach harpsichord concerti. Holloway, long the concertmaster of Roger Norringston's London Classical Players, has just been named music director of Atlanta's hot baroque ensemble, New Trinity Baroque.

Buxtehude is remembered mostly as a composer of organ and sacred music. He was organist at the main church in Lübeck for almost forty years. The story of how Bach walked to Lübeck to study with Buxtehude is well-known. He wrote very little chamber music, and this disc is one of a series of three that contains the lot. One presumes that Naxos will reissue Vols. 2 & 3 in due time. Op. 1 consists of seven 'sonatas,' which are composed partially in his 'stylus phantasticus' in which each of the instrumentalists, rather as in jazz, is allowed free improvisation for a few measures in turn. Actually, of course, Buxtehude composed those measures, but the effect is one of spontaneous improvisation for each of the players. As Kerala Snyder has it in the New Grove's, "These are sonatas a due, based on virtuoso and integrated writing for the violin and gamba. Although real trio texture sometimes occurs, the continuo line is more often a simplification of the gamba part. The structure of the sonatas is based on an alternation of tempo and texture, but this can take place either by means of tonally closed, independent movements or with sections that flow together; there is no standardization of their number, which ranges from three to 14." Half the sonatas have an ostinato movement in which a pattern is set up in the continuo and followed through to the end. To this listener, the sonatas overall convey a sense of informality, brio, and an almost romantic expression of feeling. It is entirely apt that this CD's instrumentalists mirror that approach in their playing. The result is joyous. One comes away from this music refreshed, invigorated, stimulated. One looks forward the next release, the Op. 2 set, also of seven sonatas.

TT=57:40

Warmly recommended.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Thankfully not another "Best of the Baroque" recording
Pleasant
Beautiful Baroque
very good stuff
Fantastic, lively transcriptions!

David Russell Plays Baroque Music

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Music of Giuliani

ASIN: B0000584Y6
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

I. Allemande
II. Corente
III. Sarabanda
IV. Aria
V. Minuet
VI. Giga
I. Largo
II. Allegro
III. Largo II
IV. Allegro II
I. Larghetto
II. Allegro
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro
Sonata In D Major, K. 490
Sonata In D Major, K. 491
Sonata In C Major, K. 501
Sonata In C Major, K. 308
Sonata In C Major, K. 309
Sonata In G Major, K. 390
Sonata In G Major, K. 391
Sonata In F Minor, K. 238
Sonata In F Minor, K. 239

Amazon.com

Classical guitar wonder David Russell follows up his strong disc featuring the music of Mauro Giuliani with this fresh set of Baroque transcriptions. Thanks to Russell's impeccable technique and lyrical playing, you might even forget that these are transcriptions at all. Russell's interpretation of Jean Baptiste Loeillet's Suite No. 1 in G minor is impressive for its depth--these six dances range from jaunty (Corente) to graceful (Sarabanda), but the guitarist never falters. On Vivaldi's cello sonata, Russell grippingly conveys the composer's dark, meditative side during the Largo movements. But performing nine of Scarlatti's numerous harpsichord sonatas, Russell really gets to shine; these pieces seem tailor-made for the guitarist's agile fingers and understated style. Russell isn't the flashiest classical guitarist you'll hear, but his thoughtful and solid performances on this disc speak for themselves. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Thankfully not another "Best of the Baroque" recording.......2007-04-22

David Russell proves successful in these transcriptions to guitar, creating a dynamic forward progression and seamless legato that mirrors what the harpsichord would otherwise have acheived in the original. This is most impressive in the Scarlatti pieces, especially the vivacious and fascinating Sonata in D major (K.491) where Russell's sense of the whole and creative textures make it a most enticing result. His silky smooth, cross-string lead ins here create a bit of an illusion of a keyboard action. The G minor Suite of Loeillet is a refreshing less familiar piece that is hard to imagine growing weary of - unlike the Vivaldi Sonata which is, well ... another Vivaldi piece ... although with playing like Russell's, everything seems to shine regardless. Vividly recorded with a marvelous, full-bodied guitar acoutic that is hard to fault, this CD rises above the often mundane sea of classical guitar recordings of Baroque favorites. The highlight is certainly the Scarlatti transcriptions, especially the famous D major sonata. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Recording - 5 stars (Telarc's 20-bit digital master).

Pleasant.......2003-10-31

This is a very pleasant recording. It features pieces that you don't see as frequently recorded as they should be. Russell is especially nice on the Loeillet suite. If you're into Baroque music this is a nice CD to pick. Russell does this music justice. Good stuff.

Beautiful Baroque.......2002-07-12

While I don't care much for Russell's Latin and Spanish guitar performances, I do think he beautifully performs the Baroque pieces here and Bach transcriptions on other recordings. He's especially good at playing counterpoint and weaving different voices together. The tonal quality is pleasant also.

very good stuff.......2001-06-01

I like David Russel alot. His interpretations really bring music to life with gorgeous texture and perceptive phrasing. His choice of instruments are usually excellent as well. This is good stuff here. I feel obligated to voice two criticisms, though. First, I don't think the Dammann guitar on this disc has pretty trebles. They are kind of nasal. The guitar(s) he used for his Barrios and Tarrega CD's are superior recording instruments and have simply better tone--really beautiful, indeed perfect! Second, I find the Scarlatti interpretations don't quite measure up to those of Stephan Schmidt, who plays with a passion and clarity like I have never heard before. I can't see anyone being disappointed with Stephan Schmidt's Scarlatti recording. Never heard better. Gorgeous guitar as well. (I think both guitarists prefer cedar guitars over spruce).

Fantastic, lively transcriptions!.......2001-02-26

Baroque guitar cd's have a tendency to sound alike; all very stately and undertoned but without much punch or counterpoint to keep things interesting. This is NOT one of them! Russell's transcriptions sparkle and delight. The Loeillet piece that begins the program has some great counterpoint as a result of being previously for keyboard and ranks up there with some of Bach's compositions. The rest of the pieces are more of the same excellence, with Russell's cross-string trills and virtuosity making themselves apparent everywhere. It must also be noted the guitar he plays, a Dammann, has a wonderful tone and presence and, to my ears, similiar to a Smallman, especially in some of the strong, bassy chords. Though the composers are famous, the music is not standard repertoire (apart from a few of the Scarlatti) and so makes a sort of "new music" cd of Baroque tunes. Fans of his highly regarded Baroque cd on GHA will be greatly pleased by this one.

Average customer rating:

"Playing With a Lot of Energy"
Classical Piano Music Lover
Overall, Well Done
Fast, brilliant, exciting - one of my favorites
Fast, technical but brilliant

Clementi: Piano Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Clementi: Piano Sonatas, Op. 40
Clementi: Sonatinas Op.36 & Op.38
Clementi: Keyboard Sonatas
Early Piano Sonatas
Clementi: Piano Sonatas Opp. 34,41 & 50

ASIN: B0000013RV
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Sonata In G major, Op. 25 No. 2: Allegro con brio
Sonata In G major, Op. 25 No. 2: Rondo: Un poco allegro
Sonata In F Sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 5: Piuttosto allegro con espressione
Sonata In F Sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 5: Lento e patetico
Sonata In F Sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 5: Presto
Sonatina In D Major, Op. 37 No. 2: Allegro assai
Sonatina In D Major, Op. 37 No. 2: Menuetto
Six Progressive Sonatinas, Op. 36 No. 6 In D Major: Allegro con spirito
Six Progressive Sonatinas, Op. 36 No. 6 In D Major: Rondo: Allegretto spiritoso
No. 5 In G Major: Presto
No. 5 In G Major: Air suisse: Allegro moderato
No. 5 In G Major: Rondo: Allegro di molto
No. 2 in G Major: Allegretto
No. 2 in G Major: Allegretto
No. 2 in G Major: Allegro
No. 1 In C Major: Allegro
No. 1 In C Major: Vivace
No 3 In C Major: Spiritoso
No. 3 In C Major: Spiritoso
No. 3 In C Major: Un poco adagio
No. 3 In C Major: Allegro
No. 4 In F Major: Con spirito
No. 4 In F Major: Andante con espressione
No. 4 In F Major: Rondo: Allegro vivace
Sonata In B Flat Major, Op. 24 No. 2: Allegro con brio
Sonata In B Flat Major, Op. 24 No. 2: Andante
Sonata In B Flat Major, Op. 24 No. 2: Rondo: Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

"Playing With a Lot of Energy".......2005-10-26

Clementi is such an important piano music composer that virtually no pianists can neglect his works. Yet, regrettably there is so little recorded Clementi available either in Amazon or elsewhere.

The pianist we have here is Balazs. He is Hungarian, a former pupil of Kocsis (a formost pianist/composer). For whatever it is worth, Balazs took 4th place in Leeds International Piano Competition in 1990. His father was a professor in Liszt Academy who also composed. The British press commended his playing for it's energy and imagination.

As pointed out by some other review(s), he is fast, as fast (and as even) as a machine gun. Technically, he is "brilliant" if not equally vibrant. There is indeed a lot of "energy" in his playing; his touch is nice too, all prerequisites of a virtuoso. But there isn't much in this record to show us the full spectrum of his imagination, let alone poetry, and the influence of the above mentioned two composers on him is yet to be discovered. Some slow movements in the sonatas are, however, rather charming.

On the whole, this is a very worthwhile reference especially at a budget price. And for those who have more time, they may as well check out Maria Tipo who has recorded quite a number of Clementi's sonatas for an Italian reading.

Classical Piano Music Lover.......2005-08-02

EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EVERY single piece on this CD is great! I usually have a few favourites within a single CD but I love every single performance on this CD! And you can have this at an unbelievable price too! I found every piece exciting and just enjoyable. This is now my FAVOURITE classical piano CD and I think it will remain so for a very long time. I've listened to several other compositions of Muzio Clementi but this is by far the best.

Overall, Well Done.......2001-12-08

The playing on this CD is not only technically brilliant, it's on the quicker side of the expected tempo range. Szokolay's comprehension of the music is such that he can deliver dynamic, rapid performances while still retaining the clarity of each individual note. My only complaint is that, as others have noted, these performances are somewhat lacking in feeling. Granted, there's a difference between the emotional content of a Clementi sonatina and a Beethoven sonata, but these pieces are all extremely well-crafted works by a minor master, and they do indeed have their passionate moments. It would have been nice to have more emphasis placed on these emotional spots. That's a small flaw, however, in an otherwise brilliantly-played collection of well-written music. I still admire Clementi's tuneful melodies and artistic balance ("Mozart Lite," one might say), and the playing on this CD, while somewhat flat, does nothing to deter me from that opinion overall.

Fast, brilliant, exciting - one of my favorites.......1999-07-17

I bought the CD because my daughter was learning one of the selections in her piano class. I had no idea what to expect but the style of the composer and the technical skill of the performer have made this one of my favorite CDs (my collection exceeds 400 CDs). Clementi's use of thirds in the left hand lends his sonatinas a unique sound and the speed of the trills and runs makes this an exciting selection of pieces. Considering the pittance this CD costs I would think buying it is a no-brainer.

Fast, technical but brilliant.......1999-03-23

The music is fast not gentle or romantic. Technically flawless but I find it lacking in mood. but still worth the price for real early piano buffs.

Average customer rating:

Recommended

Corelli: La Folia and Other Sonatas

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6
Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series

ASIN: B000002ZJF
Release Date: 1993-11-12

Tracks:

Sonata da Chiesa in G, op. 1, no. 9: Allegro - Adagio
Sonata da Chiesa in G, op. 1, no. 9: Allegro
Sonata da Chiesa in G, op. 1, no. 9: Adagio
Sonata da Chiesa in G, op. 1, no. 9: Allegro - Adagio
Violin Sonata in C, op. 5, no. 3: Adagio
Violin Sonata in C, op. 5, no. 3: Allegro
Violin Sonata in C, op. 5, no. 3: Adagio
Violin Sonata in C, op. 5, no. 3: Allegro
Violin Sonata in C, op. 5, no. 3: Allegro
Sonata da Camera in A, op. 4, no. 3: Preludio (Largo)
Sonata da Camera in A, op. 4, no. 3: Corrente (Allegro)
Sonata da Camera in A, op. 4, no. 3: Sarabanda (Largo)
Sonata da Camera in A, op. 4, no. 3: Tempo di gavotta (Allegro)
Viola da Gamba Sonata in D: Preludio (Adagio)
Viola da Gamba Sonata in D: Allegro
Viola da Gamba Sonata in D: Adagio
Viola da Gamba Sonata in D: Vivace
Viola da Gamba Sonata in D,: Gavotta (Allegro)
Sonata da Camera in G (Ciaccona), op. 2, no. 12
Violin Sonata in D Minor (La Folia), op. 5, no. 12
Sonata da Camera in E Minor, op. 2, no. 4: Preludio (Adagio)
Sonata da Camera in E Minor, op. 2, no. 4: Allemanda (Presto)
Sonata da Camera in E Minor, op. 2, no. 4: Grave - Adagio
Sonata da Camera in E Minor, op. 2, no. 4: Giga (Allegro)
Sonata da Chiesa in A, op. 3, no. 12: Grave -- Allegro - Adagio
Sonata da Chiesa in A, op. 3, no. 12: Vivace
Sonata da Chiesa in A, op. 3, no. 12: Allegro
Sonata da Chiesa in A, op. 3, no. 12: Allegro
Sonata da Chiesa in A, op. 3, no. 12: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Recommended.......2000-02-16

This selection of sonatas from Corelli's Op 1 to Op 5 is beautifully performed by the Purcell Quartet recorded here in 1986.

All of the works included fully justify their selection - if I had to pick out any in particluar however, in addition to 'La Folia' I would mention the Ciacona in E minor (Op 2 no 12). It should also be noted that the Op 5 Violin Sonata no 11 is included here in an anonymous arrangement for Viola da Gamba in D major.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Concertos & Sonatas by an Almost-Unknown Composer.......2005-10-13

Johann David Heinichen was born two years before Bach and Handel and two years after Telemann. He was a Thomaschüler and there he met and played underTelemann in the famed Collegium Musicum. After finishing law school he traveled to Venice and there came in contact with such composers as Vivaldi. His style, only now coming to light as the result of musicological research into the music archives at the Dresden court (where he spent most of his professional life), combines elements of both the German and Italian high baroque. He is blessed with an ability to write immediately memorable melodies as well as contrapuntal mastery. The only prior music of his I'd heard was that recorded by Reinhold Goebel and Musica Antiqua Köln which also contained a number of concerti and trio sonatas. If memory serves, there are no duplications between that 2CD set and this CD from Epoca Barocca. I recall being delighted by the Goebel discs, and the same is true here. This is utterly charming music played with grace and style by a variety of soloists.

Included are concerti and sonatas for oboe and bassoon, for oboe and viola da gamba, for viola and viola da gamba, for oboe and violin (two concerti), for oboe alone, all with basso continuo which, on this recording, is also varied as to instrumentation. Soloists include such well-known players as the amazing baroque bassoonist Sergio Azzolino and Alessandro Piqué, baroque oboe. Special mention must be made of the archlutist, Matthias Spaeter, whose playing is suave and apt.

The recorded sound is really quite good, with just the right amount of ambient air around the clearly recorded instruments. I had assumed the recordings were made in a small cathedral setting and was surprised to find they were made in the studios of Cologne Radio.

There is much more Heinichen yet to come to light. We could do worse than to hear more of it from Epoca Barocca, a group specializing in trio and quadro sonatas from the baroque era.

Recommended.

Scott Morrison

Purcell's London (English Orpheus, Vol 23) /Parley of Instruments * Goodman * Holman

Average customer rating:

Little Purcell, but Lots of Great Music

Purcell's London (English Orpheus, Vol 23) /Parley of Instruments * Goodman * Holman

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002ZHA
Release Date: 1993-11-11

Customer Reviews:

Little Purcell, but Lots of Great Music.......2002-11-01

I first bought this disc on cassette, and promptly wore it out before getting the CD version. As a showcase of little-known English and Italian composers working in late 17th-century London, it's a real gem--bright trumpet playing, bold strings, and mostly bouncy melodies, some of which betray their origins as theatre pieces. The only Purcell on it, if you're looking, is a short (1 minute) Cibell that closes the disc. But forget Purcell for the moment and enjoy Nicola Matteis, Godfrey Keller, and all of the other obscure names who were certainly Purcell's contemporaries, and whose appearance here flesh out our understanding of what a truly great musical nation England was during the 17th century. My only complaint is that, since this is one of Hyperion's older releases, it is timed to fit on two vinyl sides--I would have been glad of another 20 minutes of this!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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