Academy of Ancient Music
Richard Egarr director & harpsichord
Pavlo Beznosiuk violin
Rachel Brown flute & recorder
Frank de Bruine oboe
2 CD set (Playing time 2'27'')
Released 15 June 2009
★★★★★ – BBC Music Magazine
Original price was: £20.00.£9.99Current price is: £9.99.
Handel wrote the solo sonatas of Opus 1 for the professional musicians of his London opera orchestra. They demand considerable skill and stamina both from the soloist and the continuo. Prominent bass parts give the sonatas a contrapuntal strength and vitality, and Handel keeps the elements of display and purely musical argument in admirable balance in these works. For this reason, they are among the most attractive Baroque solo sonatas and deserve their lasting popularity. Played here by members of the Academy of Ancient Music under the leadership of Richard Egarr, Handel's delightful sonatas are shown to be true masterpieces written by a composer at the height of his powers.
The soloists here are stylish and imaginative. Decorations are a delight in slow movements; the Adagio from No. 8 (oboe) is positively dripping with them. The playing is highly expressive… Highly commended as both the complete Op. 1 package and as deeply satisfying performances. BBC Music Magazine
…the playing of the three principles of the Academy of Ancient Music sparkles, charms and soothes. Gramophone
Egarr's harpsichord accompaniment is free and expressive. The soloists slide easily from austerity to opulence, and Brown's dewy-toned recorder is enchanting. The Independent on Sunday
Included on this set:
Sonata in E minor for flute and continuo, HWV359b, Op. 1 No. 1
Sonata in G minor for recorder and continuo, HWV360, Op. 1 No. 2
Sonata in A major for violin and continuo, HWV361, Op. 1 No. 3
Sonata in A minor for recorder and continuo, HWV362, Op. 1 No. 4
Sonata in G major for flute and continuo, HWV363b, Op 1 No 5
Sonata in G minor for oboe and continuo, HWV364a, Op. 1 No. 6
Sonata in C major for recorder and continuo, HWV365, Op. 1 No. 7
Sonata in C minor for oboe and continuo, HWV366, Op. 1 No. 8
Flute Sonata in B minor, Op 1 No 9b, HWV367b
Sonata in G minor for violin and continuo, HWV368, Op. 1 No. 10
Sonata in F major for recorder and continuo, HWV369, Op. 1 No. 11
Sonata in F major for violin and continuo, HWV370, Op. 1 No. 12
Sonata in A major for violin and continuo, HWV372, Op. 1 No. 14
Oboe Sonata in F major (manuscript) 'Haub: Solo del Sr. Hendel'
Sonata in E major for violin and continuo, Op. 1, No. 12, HWV 373
