ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI:
Seven sonatas for Flute, Violin, Viola and Bass.
Camerata Koln
CPO 999-619-2 53m
DDD.
Crotchet
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Scarlatti's music is occasionally relegated to the 'exercise book' category
but it can also be highly entertaining and invigorating as these seven sonatas
demonstrate. Each contains much virtuoso work for the various instruments
involved. CPO's breathlessly clear recording ennobles some patchy moments
and the Camerata Koln are ideal advocates of this sort of repertoire.
Each sonata is split into five movements and one can only admire the melodic
gift of a composer who constantly turns out pleasing tunes imbued with rhythmic
vitality. Particular favourites include the bombastic Sonata nona
with its merrily bucolic Finale and the peaceful trills of the Sonata
settima. Although ultimately, there is nothing to write home about, this
disc (somewhat under-filled) could serve as a refreshing alternative throughout
the summer months.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
