Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Rosenmuller, Arcangelo Corelli :: 2 Violins + 1 Guitar

Accomplished Chamber Music

02/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was such a pleasant surprise. The two violins weave a delicate spell and are played with great skill and feeling. I have never heard a guitar playing a continuo part before, but it provides a uniqure backdrop to entwined violins."

Gorgeous!

06/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If one must judge a book by its cover, one must NEVER judge this CD by its cover price. In this (CD) case, luxury is cheap! What a lovely selection of music! Nor is the performance of the music any less lovely. The rich baroque melodies, although played in a manner respectful to the era of their composition, evoke a spirit of cheer. The tempos are masterfully chosen, avoiding both the all-too-lilting step and the ponderous drone. Although in my estimation possibly no violinist matches Itzhak Perlman, my ears are quite satisfied with the rich tones achieved by the Holbling violinists."

Superb and unusual

Frank T. Manheim | Fairfax VA | 07/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A dear friend, cellist, and chamber music player, raved about this recording. I agree with him and with the other reviewers' comments about the ravishing sound and sensitivity of the players. There are other special values. The rare musical gems cover the entire time span of the trio sonata and beyond, beginning with the work of Johann Rosenmuller (1619-1684) and Domenico Gabrielli (who died at only 31 in 1690), through fine compositions by Corelli and Telemann, Johann Adolf Hasse (1699-1783), to Anton Diabelli (1781-1858). Gabrielli (from Bologna and no relation to Giovanni Gabrieli), is considered the first composer of solo cello sonatas, though this facet of his work can't be heard here. The final unusual aspect of this recording is that at a time when period instrument performance dominates recordings of preclassical composers, this release is in the "living tradition" style. Though avoiding romantic excess, it appeals directly to the modern ear."