Search - Francesco Geminiani, Richard Jones, Thomas Arne :: English 18th-century Violin Sonatas (English Orpheus, Vol 13) /Wallfisch * Locatelli Trio

Delightful rendition of unknown musical gems!

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 08/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A person well-acquainted with the classical repetoire might know some of the composers featured on this album, such as Thomas Arne and Francesco Geminiani. I have to admit I have never ever heard of Richard Jones or Joseph Gibbs, but I am very grateful to have made their musical acquaintance.This music on this CD, volume 13 of Hyperion's "English Orpheus" series, is impeccably rendered by Elizabeth Wallfisch and the Locatelli Trio. These performances make one wonder why these pieces remain almost entirely unknown, because they are marvelous from start to finish. Written mostly between 1729 and 1751 (the Hellendaal piece dates from circa 1790, and the Linley piece circa 1768), these pieces, produced in something of a musical backwater, are as fine as anything being written on the continent at that time.In particular, I fell in love immediately with the Joseph Gibbs Sonata in D minor, opus 1 #1, published circa 1746. A total unknown to all but the complete English music fanatic, Gibbs was a provincial organist active in Essex & Suffolk from 1734 to 1788. This piece is just pure delight to listen to, and I never grow tired of it. I cannot believe that this piece is almost entirely unknown. This piece alone is worth the price of the CD.If you are looking for something off the beaten path, or just enjoy beautifully performed music, then this CD will be a worthy addition to your collection!"