Search - Jean-Joseph Cassanea de Mondonville, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre :: Mondonville - 6 Sonates, Op. 3

Underappreciated Form, Composer, and Musical Group

James T. Wheeler | TUCSON, AZ United States | 01/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set of sonatas by Mondonville is highly recommended. I first heard his music on the old satellite radio system we had. But I was hesitant to buy this set because it was hailed as being sonatas, rather than concerti grossi. I find that it is much closer to the latter as the pieces are for period instruments, largely strings and woodwinds. The music is quite lyrical and relaxing, while being played at a lively pace. For anyone interested in Baroque music in general, or in composers like Rameau and Lully, in particular, this should not escape your attention. (Studies have been done on Baroque music and the findings have been that it improves mental acuity for its listeners beyond other musical forms). Moreover, the concert group headed by Marc Minkowski is first-rate. I plan to buy more of their offerings in the near future."