Handel: The Sonatas for Violin and Continuo

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Few contemporary performers are comfortable with the idea of adding embellishments in Baroque music. The practice is scarce even among early music specialists, and scarcer in the mainstream. Yet here is a nonspecialist violinist who plays Handel's music with tremendous temperament and flair, and also adds convincing and imaginative embellishments to all her repeats. With two excellent partners, Rachel Barton has given us an edition of Handel's Violin Sonatas that is one of the more gratifying recordings of Baroque violin music in the current catalogs. This music is hardly overexposed, so such a fine new recording is extremely welcome. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Largo Andante
Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Menuetto & Trio: Vivace
Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Poco Adagio
Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Tempo di Menuetto
Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegro (non troppo)
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Tuning & Gavotte
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Two Menuets
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Air
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Menuet With 2 Variations
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Impertinence
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Sarabande
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Menuet With 2 Variations
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Air
Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Aria with 3 Variations
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegretto Spiritoso
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Vivace
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Grave
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegro Assai
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante Molto Cantabile
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante Pastorale
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful and delightful evenings.......2007-06-27

If you are a really follower of Jack Aubrey adventures you must have the 2 Volumes. The best companion for you reading every evenings. A must have.
Enjoy it.

Great Music.......2007-04-05

I bought this as an accompaniment while I read Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series of books, and it goes very well. I've enjoyed every piece on this album, and recommend it for music lovers and readers alike.

excellent compile.......2007-01-16

It is dead-on excellent. Perfectly in tune with the entire series and spirit of Patrick's work. A simply joy to listen to time after time. You grasp the character of the age in crisply performed versions of various collection.

Pleasant backdrop .......2006-01-10

As a child growing up in the city of Salem, known for it's working class backbone, I was the only kid I knew who had been to Symphony Hall more than Fenway Park. Going in to Boston for the symphony's open practices was what I lived for. It gave me a true appreciative, although untrained ear. The one lasting lesson is that while you may not notice good classical music, EVERYONE notices bad classical music. And this is NOT bad classical.

I have been a reader of the Aubrey Maturin Novels for 8 years (only two a year for dramatic suspense) and while I am a huge fan of Patrick O'Brian's writing, I find that with the addition of the music he scored his work to, I stand in awe. The music is well grounded to the situations and feelings in the book. Either Mr. O'Brian was a very well rounded, or he did his homework.

The CD is a wonderful insight to the author, and the characters he created. Pour a glass of claret, listen to the cd, read the books...

but pay no heed to Killick's "scrape, scrape , scrape..never a song you could dance to.."

Musical soothing of the soul.......2002-06-11

I have been a fan of Baroque music since childhood (and I'm not all that old either). But I've only started reading the Patrick O'Brian books in the last few months, since it was announced that my favorite actor, Russell Crowe, was about to star as Captain Jack Aubrey in the Peter Weir movie. I am reading the books in order, and am currently on "HMS Surprise," so what else could be a more perfect accompaniment than this CD? Aubrey is such a multi-layered character, filled with imperfections and bad puns, however he has a great love for music and he plays the violin quite well. Often paired with ship's surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin on the cello, music is a great release for this sea captain, and the pieces on this CD are fine representations of what Aubrey might have played while on assignment or heard when on land. The selections by Hadyn, Locatelli, Handel, Boccherini and Leclair are pleasant, soothing compositions that are complex and varied enough that they are not redundant, and range from peaceful to nimble. While listening to the CD, I could vividly imagine Jack Aubrey below decks in his cabin and asking Maturin to strike up a tune with him. And then they begin an Andante or an Allegro, allowing Aubrey to set aside his absolutely awful puns and jokes so he can clear his mind and relax. Considering some of the battles he's involved himself in so far in the series, he definitely needs it. Reading his adventures while listening to these charming pieces will relax you as well, and definitely take your imagination to some wondrous places in an era of great change.

Average customer rating:

Simply astounding

Handel: Complete Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2005-01-11

Customer Reviews:

Simply astounding.......2006-11-06

It is not without a sense of awe that I write these words. I believe Mr. Handel himself, had he been alive to hear this recording, would have been thoroughly delighted and not perhaps devoid of a tear or two.

The grace and elegance with which these endearing sonatas are played is simply astounding. Both Manze and Egarr ought to be given knighthoods for this CD. It just has no peers. I find this supremely enjoyable CD to be an absolutely essential part of any serious baroque music fan's collection. The liner notes provide great background information of each of the sonatas, even those of less than certain authenticity, with a meticulousness that could concieveably allow for acceptable academic referencing, which is saying something!

With a careful attention to detail, the performers have given us a brilliant interpretation (I am willing to say the BEST I have ever heard, as obsequious as that may sound), of these works, in what must be considered a benchmark of high standards. Five out of five, for the purchase of the decade.

Average customer rating:

Trio Sonatas Op 2
Handel , and London Baroque
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
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Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2003-05-13

Handel: Trio Sonatas for Oboe and Violin

Average customer rating:

Early Handel's masterpiece

Handel: Trio Sonatas for Oboe and Violin
George Frideric Handel , Convivium , and Elizabeth Wallfisch
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004R61O
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Customer Reviews:

Early Handel's masterpiece.......2006-03-07

For me it was complex enough to estimate the given execution of early Handel's trio-sonatas as these sonatas are described in catalogues of his works as a trio-sonata for two oboes and B.C. Such version has been released on Bayer records. That version was very convincing, though execution and record quality left much to be desired. Execution and record quality of these sonatas by ensemble Convivium undoubtedly is much better, however replacement of a party of the second oboe with a violin might be is proved from the point of view of correctness of perusal of the score (though it too disputably as there is only a non-original copy of the score), however alters perception of sonatas a little, in particular, deprives with their some charm and the intimacy inherent in execution on two oboes. If to abstract from this feeling, undoubtedly given execution deserves all praises and should be in a collection of each Handel's and works' for oboe fan.

Average customer rating:

Handel: Trio Sonatas, Op. 2

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ASIN: B0000TNJUY
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Average customer rating:

Pretty Damn Good
Great CD, specially the adagio.
It's No Louis Clark & the Royal Philharmonic... But it's ok
No So Great

Hooked on Classics 4: Baroque

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Hooked on Classics 3: Journey Through the Classics
Hooked On Classics
More Hooked On Classics
Hooked on Classics
Hooked on Christmas

ASIN: B000000RYV
Release Date: 1992-05-08

Tracks:

Hooked On Baroque 2
Hooked On Adagio
Hooked On Gigue
Hooked On Fugue
Hooked On Handel
Hooked On Vivaldi
Hooked On Scarlatti
Hooked On Baroque 2 (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Damn Good.......2004-07-06

I received as a gift the box set of all four Hooked On Classics CD's. As an avid fan of classical music, I was quite shocked to hear DRUMS in the background! I didn't really know what the Hooked On Classics series was, so I didn't know what to expect. As such, I eventually got used to the percussion, and found that I liked the fourth CD the best of all of them. The drums are more tolerable, and the recording quality is much improved over the other volumes. The playing is superb; on par with any legitimate recording made by any professional orchestra. The selections are diverse, and the arrangements are refreshing. HOC 4 was my link to many of the full-length versions of the excerpts featured, and I especially like the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th tracks (the 8th track is simply an extended version of the 1st, which makes it a much better rendition). The harpsichord playing in the 7th track is outstanding, as are the arrangements for this track. The climax will give you chills. All in all, an excellent album. I give it four stars only because as a die-hard purist, I don't suppose Bach and Vivaldi and Scarlatti would be too happy if they were to hear percussion along with their music. It would be interesting to see what the tracks would sound like without this.

Great CD, specially the adagio........2004-01-28

I love this CD in particular, because it introduced me to various greatest hits of baroque. I used it to practice my music as a teenager. I recommed this to you, specially if you have kids, because the drum sounds, make it easier to listen to the new generations. I loved the Pachelbel, and the adagio part is Super Excellent.

It's No Louis Clark & the Royal Philharmonic... But it's ok.......2003-12-07

Back in 81 when I got the original Hooked on Classics record as a gift (which I still have), I discovered the beauty and power of classical music in a different way. Now, classical music makes up 1/3 of my music library because of that compilation of classics (thanks to Louis Clark and the Royal Philharmonic).

So would I say this volume 4 has the same effect? I'd answer no, but I did like tracks 2 & 7.

No So Great.......2003-10-29

Once again another pathetic attempt at recreating what Louis Clark did with the original Hooked on the Classics. He succeeded by getting many of us hooked to the classics...something this album probably can't and won't do.

Handel - Complete Violin Sonatas / Manze, Egarr

Average customer rating:

get the 8 dollar version
SCHOLARS NOT PEDANTS
Music that won't let you go.
pure, beautiful tone!
A good disc, if not great

Handel - Complete Violin Sonatas / Manze, Egarr
George Frideric Handel , Andrew Manze , and Richard Egarr
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005JSK8
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major, Op. 1 No. 13: Affettuoso
Sonata In D Major, Op. 1 No. 13: Allegro
Sonata In D Major, Op. 1 No. 13: Larghetto
Sonata In D Major, Op. 1 No. 13: Allegro
Sonata In F Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Adagio
Sonata In F Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Allegro
Sonata In F Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Largo
Sonata In F Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor: Grave
Sonata In D Minor: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor: Adagio
Sonata In D Minor: Allegro
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: Andante
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: Allegro
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: Adagio
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: Allegro
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: Larghetto
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: Allegro
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: Adagio
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: Allegro
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 10: Adagio
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 10: Allegro
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 10: Largo
Sonata In A Major, Op. 1 No. 10: Allegro
Sonata In E Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Adagio
Sonata In E Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Allegro
Sonata In E Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Largo
Sonata In E Major, Op. 1 No. 12: Allegro
Sonata In G Major: Allegro
Sonata In G Major: Adagio
Sonata In G Major: Allegro
Andante In A Minor
Allegro In C Minor

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

In his liner notes, Andrew Manze writes that this collection, which includes two single movements--one slow, one fast--represents all of Handel's violin sonatas, but that no one is really sure how many of them he actually wrote. No matter; they all contain wonderful music and have been loved by players and listeners since they were written. Six are well known. Two are unfamiliar, and the second of these, in G major, is quite unlike all the others: two brilliant fast movements separated by a brief, highly dramatic slow recitative. The rest are cast in the customary four-movement form, but they still have extraordinary diversity; no two of them sound alike.

Manze's program is arranged for utmost contrast, and his playing underlines the differences. He is a fabulous violinist with an effortless virtuoso technique and extraordinary bow control. He has at his disposal an incredible variety of articulation, dynamics, and nuance, which he uses to change mood, character, and expression with utmost subtlety and minimal means. He vibrates sparingly but to great tonal and emotional effect; his expressiveness ranges from driving vigor, exuberance, and headlong impetuosity to mournfulness, dramatic intensity, songful lyricism, and serenity. His rhythm is buoyant and flexible and he hesitates on certain significant upbeats in a way that is mischievous but not mannered; his tempi, fast and slow, are judicious and controlled. Both he and his pianist ornament lavishly and imaginatively in a wonderfully spontaneous, improvisatory fashion, especially in slow movements and repeats, often bursting into brilliant runs. This is "authentic" playing in every sense: faithful to the composer, the style, and the performers' passionate feeling for the music. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

get the 8 dollar version.......2006-01-09

same disc plus catalogue $8 new and less used!

SCHOLARS NOT PEDANTS.......2005-04-28

Andrew Manze writes nearly as well as he plays. The short essay he provides to accompany this disc is knowledgeable, clear and witty. Handel's instrumental music is a scholars' playground - he left, and very likely kept, no proper catalogue of it, and it falls to specialists to clarify as best they can which compositions going under his name are really his. What the artists here give us is 7 complete sonatas and one that is presumably complete, plus two stranded individual movements. Of the 8 'complete' efforts 5, including the presumed-complete G major, seem to be definitely by Handel. Two sets of 12 'violin' sonatas were published by one Walsh, one under his own name and the other under the pseudonym 'Roger'. The works they contain do not exactly match up, and I would have liked the contents of each plus the contents of this disc laid out as a table so as to be completely clear about the issue. The best piece of all, placed first in this recital, seems to belong in neither edition, and the most original and unusual, placed second, is of doubtful attribution.

The players' style is all-the-way authentic. Full details of the 18th century instruments, plus a fascinating picture of the violin-maker's workshop, are provided on pages 12-13 of the booklet, and Manze goes into the question of the proper constitution of the continuo or accompaniment. I found that I adapted to the sound of the violin within seconds. There's a fair amount of action-noise from the harpsichord, but authentic is authentic, so I adapted to that too. The playing seems to me beyond criticism, full of verve in the fast movements and soul in the slow, and the recorded sound is of the highest modern standard. The works themselves are beautiful and fascinating. I wonder in particular whether Handel wrote the first movement of the F major sonata, and if not who did. It is not only an exceptional piece but decades ahead of its time, as Manze rightly says.

The production is fairly de luxe, containing not only an expensively printed booklet but also a full colour catalogue of Harmonia Mundi's current offerings. The set has won critical acclaim, which I endorse wholeheartedly, and it can be recommended without qualification to all Handelians and indeed to the music-loving public generally.

Music that won't let you go........2005-04-14

Handel's andante's are introspective, sometimes a little sad but never sentimental like a few violin-adagio's from Bach. The allegro's are vivid and catch the ear but never show off like some allegro's from Vivaldi. This recording is a well-balanced musical offering that never gets boring. If you like the organ-concerto's by Handel you will also like this violin music.

pure, beautiful tone!.......2004-06-30

The beauty of simplicity. Such clear, beautiful, resonant tone.
(just listen to the first four notes of the F Major!)
It takes my breath away. What a great example of what the violin CAN sound like. His ornamental/improvisational ideas are great to listen to - he certainly isn't just regurgitating the same old Handel sonatas! A refreshingly different take on the sonatas. (I for one am not interested in hearing the same old interpretation one more time!). This is unique and amazing. I'd like to hear more classical artists add their own personal touch in the way that Andrew Manze can.

A good disc, if not great.......2003-10-27

Manze's musical ideas are satisfying and contribute to a convincing reconstruction of the music of Handel's era. I have yet to hear a better recording of these great sonatas, and I believe that any attempt to outdo Manze will have to be a superlative effort.

Handel: The Sonatas for Violin and Continuo

Average customer rating:

Wonderful - but I really don't like harpsichords
Lush, wonderful recording - more like desert than music
Baroque violin sonatas intelligently played

Handel: The Sonatas for Violin and Continuo

Manufacturer: Cedille
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Handel: Complete Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B0000018ZL
Release Date: 1999-11-01

Tracks:

Sonata In A Major, HWV 361: Andante
Sonata In A Major, HWV 361: Allegro
Sonata In A Major, HWV 361: Adagio
Sonata In A Major, HWV 361: Allegro
Sonata in D Minor, HWV359a: Grave
Sonata in D Minor, HWV359a: Allegro
Sonata in D Minor, HWV359a: Adagio
Sonata in D Minor, HWV359a: Allegro
Sonata in F Major, HWV370: Adagio
Allegro
Sonata in F Major, HWV370: Largo
Allegro
Sonata in G Major, HWV358: Allegro
Sonata in G Major, HWV358: Adagio
Allegro
Sonata in G Minor, HWV364a: Larghetto
Sonata in G Minor, HWV364a: Allegro
Sonata in G Minor, HWV364a: Adagio
Sonata in G Minor, HWV364a: Allegro
Allegro in C Minor, HWV408
Sonata in A Major, HWV372: Adagio
Sonata in A Major, HWV372: Allegro
Sonata in A Major, HWV372: Largo
Sonata in A Major, HWV372: Allegro
Andante in A Minor, HWV412
Sonata in G Minor, HWV368: Andante
Sonata in G Minor, HWV368: Allegro
Sonata in G Minor, HWV368: Adagio
Allegro
Sonata in D Major, HWV371: Affetuoso
Sonata in D Major, HWV371: Allegro
Sonata in D Major, HWV371: Larghetto
Sonata in D Major, HWV371: Allegro

Amazon.com

Few contemporary performers are comfortable with the idea of adding embellishments in Baroque music. The practice is scarce even among early music specialists, and scarcer in the mainstream. Yet here is a nonspecialist violinist who plays Handel's music with tremendous temperament and flair, and also adds convincing and imaginative embellishments to all her repeats. With two excellent partners, Rachel Barton has given us an edition of Handel's Violin Sonatas that is one of the more gratifying recordings of Baroque violin music in the current catalogs. This music is hardly overexposed, so such a fine new recording is extremely welcome. --Leslie Gerber

Album Description

Handel's violin sonatas, familiar to violinists and chamber audiences, have been inexplicably neglected on disc. These intimate, inviting sonatas show the seldom-heard side of Handel's genius. The violin sonatas span Handel's long career, from the early, Corelli-inspired G Major Sonata, HWV358 (c. 1706-8) to the exciting Sonata in D major (c. 1750). On the CD, the works are sequenced for a pleasing progression of key relationships and mood changes. The CD opens and closes with sonatas that are authentically Handel's and written expressly for violin: the Sonata in A Major (HWV371), notable for its virtuosic treatment of violin and continuo parts and its noble melodic lines. Handel's last violin sonata, it's widely considered his masterpiece in the genre. Scholars agree that some sonatas were erroneously attributed to Handel. Three of these are included in the program (HWV368, 370, and 372). "Regardless of authorship, they are very beautiful and well worth playing and hearing," cellist Rozendaal writes in the CD booklet. Another, the Sonata in E major (HWV373) is excluded, "not because of its questionable authorship but because of its inferior quality," he adds. The program also includes several fine (and authentic) pieces from the 1724-26 period: the Sonatas in d-minor (HWV359a) and g-minor (HWV364a), the a-minor Andante (HWV412) and the c-minor Allegro (HWV408) These performances are "historically informed," employing a combination of 18th-century and modern practices and equipment. Ms. Barton plays a 1617 Amati violin, in "modern" condition with steel strings. Mr. Rozendaal plays a 1740 cello in restored Baroque condition with gut strings. The bows used are reproductions of 18th-century models. Mr. Schrader plays a 1983 US-built harpsichord based on one in the museum of the Conservatoire National de Paris.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful - but I really don't like harpsichords.......2005-06-12

This is a truly marvellous recording. The slow movements are played beautifully, with delicate and emotive ornamentation, while the fast ones are exciting and, well, fast. The cello sound in the contnuo is also rich, with just the right character. My only problems are with the harpsichord part. As a (very amateur) violinist, I own the Barenreiter edition of this, and noticed that the right hand harpsichord part seems sometimes to be missing. This detracts from the music - for example, in the first mvmt of the D major, while the violin is resting, the harpsichord should play the motif of the previous two bars. But doesn't. Also, in nearly all music I prefer the sound of a piano to a harpsichord (philistine that I am...)

Lush, wonderful recording - more like desert than music.......2003-01-22

This recording is pure indulgence. Barton reminds me of a few other young artists doing Baroque work these days (such as Ophelie Gaillard, the French cellist), who is capable of striking a very exciting balance between Baroque performance convention and a more personal, individual style. Barton plays with a confident, modern tone (standard pitch too), but uses ornaments and articulation typical of period performance. The balance between the instruments, criticized by another reviewer, is for me one of this recording's most pleasant features. The lush interplay of the instruments creates an experience that I can only compare to the feeling of eating some heavenly desert. First there is the rich, solid (but never heavy) base of cello, the sweet ambrosial filling of Barton's violin, and a crispy crust added by the harpsichord, giving texture and structure to the whole pie. Perhaps this analogy is a bit far-fetched for a review like this (in fairness though, this is the first time I've even thought of comparing a recording to food), but listening to the first few moments of the A major or D major sonatas alone manages to make traditional categories of description seem inadequate to me. I heartily recommend this recording.

Baroque violin sonatas intelligently played.......2001-04-06

The history of Handel's sonatas for violin and continuo is a tangled web worthy of a detective novel. Suffice it to say that of the six included in the nineteenth-century complete edition of Chrysander, four were spurious, while other authentic works intended for violin by Handel remained largely unknown until modern times.

The present recording by the young American violinist Rachel Barton includes all of the works for violin and continuo known to be authentic Handel, plus three of the four spurious sonatas included by Chrysander and published under Handel's name in separate editions for many years. Musical justification is given in the liner notes for _not_ including the fourth sonata, in E major, though one suspects that the real reason was lack of sufficient room on the CD.

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor, VWV 1020
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
Sonata In E Minor, BWV 1023, I. Adagio
II. Allegro
III. Adagio ma non tanto
IV. Allegro
Sonata in E minor, BWV 1023
II. Adagio ma non tanto
III. Allemande
IV. Gigue
Sonata in D major, Op. 1 No. 3, Adagio
II. Allegro
III. Larghetto
IV. Allegro
Sonata in G minor, Op. 1 No. 10
II. Allegro commodo
III. Largo
IV. Presto non tropo

Baroque Oboe Sonatas (Bach, Handel, Telemann, Vivaldi) / Ray Still: A Chicago Legend

Average customer rating:

Baroque oboe, bassoon and harpsichord
Thanks Mr. Still
An oboist who sings beautifully
An oboist who sings beautifully
An oboist who sings beautifully

Baroque Oboe Sonatas (Bach, Handel, Telemann, Vivaldi) / Ray Still: A Chicago Legend
Sharrow , Bach , Handel , Telemann , and Vivaldi
Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005B1FM
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Tracks:

Son in g, BWV 1030 b: I. Andante - Ray Still/Thomas R. Still
Son in g, BWV 1030 b: II. Largo E Dolce - Ray Still/Thomas R. Still
Son in g, BWV 1030 b: III. Presto - Allegro - Ray Still/Thomas R. Still
Son No.1 in c, HWV 366: I. Adagio
Son No.1 in c, HWV 366: II. Adagio
Son No.1 in c, HWV 366: III. Adagio
Son No.1 in c, HWV 366: IV. Allegro
Son No.2 in g, HWV 364 a: I. Larghetto
Son No.2 in g, HWV 364 a: II. Allegro
Son No.2 in g, HWV 364 a: III. Adagio
Son No.2 in g, HWV 364 a: IV. Allegro
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Siciliana
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Aria I: Allegro
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Aria II: Allegro
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Aria III: Allegro
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Aria IV: Affetuoso
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Aria V: Presto
Kleine Cammer-Music, Partita II: Aria VI: Tempo Di Menuetto
Partita V: Andante
Partita V: Aria I: Vivace
Partita V: Aria II: Presto
Partita V: Aria III: Vivace
Partita V: Aria IV: Siciliana
Partita V: Aria V: Vivace
Partita V: Aria VI: Presto
Partita VI: Affetuoso
Partita VI: Aria I: Presto
Partita VI: Aria II: Vivace
Partita VI: Aria III: Tempo Di Ciaconna
Partita VI: Aria IV: Allegro
Partita VI: Aria V: Allegro
Partita VI: Aria VI: Tempo Di Minuet
Son No.6 in g, RV 58: I. Vivace
Son No.6 in g, RV 58: II. Allabreve - Fuga Da Capella
Son No.6 in g, RV 58: III. Largo
Son No.6 in g, RV 58: IV. Allegro, Ma Non Presto

Customer Reviews:

Baroque oboe, bassoon and harpsichord.......2001-12-27

This is exquisite music of Bach, Handel, Telemann and Vivaldi featuring this long renowned principal oboeist of Chicago Symphony, Ray Still, along with Conant and Sharrow.

Particularly pleasing to this reviewer is the Sonata in G Minor by J.S. Bach, with its harpsichord/oboe duet.
Charmed by the basson work on Handel's Sonata No.1 in C minor and the Tempo di Menuetto of Telemann's Partita II.

Showcases the tonal genius and rhythm of this talented oboeist.

Thanks Mr. Still.......2001-09-19

What a joy to have some new material released by this incomparable musician. There's a voice-like, multi-textured,colorful quality about the oboe sound we hear on this CD! And I smile to hear Romantic qualities brought out in this Baroque literature. Track 4 made me weep; not necessarily with sadness, but with some feeling much larger. I look forward to hearing more of Mr. Still's recordings-

An oboist who sings beautifully.......2001-05-04

What distinguishes Ray Still from lesser oboists is his incredible expressiveness and rock-solid rhythm. That's how I can tell if he is the performer when I hear an oboe recording on the radio. Most of his solo recordings (including an amazing Bach Wedding Cantata with Kathleen Battle) are out of print, so this 70 minute disk of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi sonatas and three Telemann partitas (from "Kleine Kammermusik") is most welcome. My personal favorites are the Telemann partitas, mainly because they are so varied and expressive. An added bonus is a 20 page booklet about Still's career. His goal is to play like one of the great singers, and he achieves it.

An oboist who sings beautifully.......2001-05-04

Music Review: