"Recently I discovered Biber's Violin Sonatas performed by Romanesca. I was so impressed with that CD, I decided to find out what else Andrew and his friends had been up to. That is when I discovered this CD. This has turned out to be a double bonus. Not only is the performance by Romanesca outstanding, but also I found Schmelzer to be quite intriguing. Everything the previous reviewers have said is absolutely true. Schmelzer is beautiful, lyrical, haunting, and yes he does fall into the Godiva category. To quantify this, this is the perfect morning CD if you are looking to be eased into your day as opposed to breaking into it with Vivaldi. It's also the perfect CD to unwind with after a stressful day. It's so emotional you can't help but be pulled out of your universe forgetting all your daytime woes."
Astonishing lyrical sonatas
06/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've listened to this album dozens of times in the past -- it is one of the most lyrical, beautiful albums I've heard in several years. The music has passages of great virtuosity which Manze, one of the great violinists of our time, performs with utter confidence, but what makes the album enjoyable over and over again are the hauntingly sweet slow passages. These are songs deeply felt and deeply sung."
Manze at his best
dolcissima2780 | Pennsylvania, USA | 10/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a violin fanatic, I was very anxious to get my hands on this CD! However, I was not expecting it to be as wonderful as it is! Manze's intonation and technique are flawless, as always, and his up-beat tempos in the fast sections make what the entire concert exciting. The slow movements are played with care and not "astringent" like some other period-instrument performances I have heard. Manze is not the only star on this recording: the entire Romanesca Ensemble is superb in balance and technique. Since I love Biber's Rosenkranz Sontatas, I was happy to see the arrangment on this disc. Schmelzer seems to pick up right where Biber left off, giving the sonata a fun and exhilerating Turkish concept. Here's to yet another disc that beautifully introduces us to a virtually unknown Baroque composer! Highly recommended."
Well worth the money
dolcissima2780 | 06/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Continuing Manze's quest towards lesser know baroque violin music, he has embarked upon a real gem. Schmelzer was probably the teacher of Biber, and his music is some of the most lyrical and beautiful writing that I have come across. The 'sonatae unum fidium' were the first violin sonatas published by a non-Italian composer - so they are also historicaly very important. You can hear through Schmelzer's music the basis on which much of Biber is founded - very much in the sonata idiom of the time - shortish passages in contrasting dance times, speeds, and styles. Of course they are played, as Manze plays everything, with ingenious interpretation, and lyrical beauty, and are carefull accompanient by Egarr etc.The sonata arranged from Biber's Rosary sonatas by Schmelzer's son is very interestingly performed, with much embellishment of a turkish style which suits the piece. A very good record, and well worth the money"
Most melodious violin sonatas I have ever heard
Y. Dai | Austin, TX USA | 05/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"these days I am just suffering;however, luckily I have this CD as my companion. It gives me a lot of pleasure and soothes my troubled mind. Highly recommended. You will not regret buying this CD. Believe me."