Search - George Frederick Handel, Convivium Musicum :: Handel: Trio Sonatas for Oboe and Violin

Perhaps not Handel but very enjoyable

Ross Kennett | Narooma, NSW Australia | 03/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Handel: Trio Sonatas for Oboe and Violin



The Trio Sonata was a popular form from the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 18th. This was partly due to the modest forces required to perform it, typically 2 violins, cello and harpsichord, were available in most of the courts in Europe and among competent amateurs in the towns and cities. Flutes or oboes could be used as well as violins, and Zelenka wrote a set of 12 fine trio sonatas for 2 oboes, bassoon and double bass.

This recording is of 6 trio sonatas attributed to the young Handel, and one from his opus 2, written for oboe, violin, cello and harpsichord. Handel is reported to have claimed them as his after a cursory glance, but authorship remains uncertain. I am happy to believe that they are by the young Handel, but no matter, it is very enjoyable music very well played by Convivium; Anthony Robson, oboe, Elizabeth Wallfisch, violin, Richard Tunnicliff, cello and Paul Nicholson, harpsichord.

Handel published two sets of trio sonatas, 6 in opus 2, and 7 in opus 5. I regard his opus 5 as the finest trio sonatas ever written. The music on this CD does not match opus 5, but is joyfull and stylishly played. The sound is excellent, the cover notes adequate, and the price, now it has been re-issued on Helios, modest. Well worth a listen."