Johan van Veen’s review of this disc provides a very good introduction to its
content. Aside from the marvellously sensitive, perhaps at times
even overly sensitive way these pieces are played, compliments
go to all concerned for a very well-conceived programmatic development
over the course of the disc. Starting with a lonely Prélude,
strings combine for the gorgeous first movement Largo
of Corelli’s Sonata VIII. Crisp harpsichord continuo
further changes the texture, separating the first two sonatas
with a splendidly inventive solo improvisation. While Corelli’s
work is entertaining enough, Handel is always a tasty prospect,
and his G minor Sonata is no disappointment, Friederike
Heumann adding in her own extra improvisatory feel with some
nicely turned ornaments.
Another change and contrast is delivered through the gentle
tones of a lute improvisation, a fine Prélude
to Corelli’s Sonata III. The combination of instruments
creates superb sonorities in the opening Adagio, and
there is plenty of fun in the punchy harpsichord chords in the
penultimate Allegro, a groovy foundation for virtuoso
display from the viola da gamba. Just as the ear is starting
to become hungry for new textures we are rewarded with the addition
of a rich sounding organ as part of Johann Schenk’s Sonata
II. The mix of warmly rounded wind sounds suits the upper-harmonic
rich melodic lines of the gamba, with that sprinkle of added
pointillism from the lute to give a light lustre finish. The
harpsichord continuo returns for the final work, Corelli’s
Sonata VI.
With the idea of proving the effectiveness of these viola da
gamba arrangements of Corelli’s violin sonatas and pointing
out the relationships and influences between the composers presented,
this recording has to be considered a great success. The low
but melodically clear function of the viola da gamba creates
a darker but by no means gloomy impression, and in Friederike
Heumann’s expert hands the speedy virtuosity avoids turning
into ill-defined scrubbing - always a risk with deeper cello-range
or bass string instruments. With a nicely defined and sympathetically
produced recording this CD is a lovely musical experience, and
one which is a delight to take in in one luxuriant sitting.
Dominy Clements
See also review by Johan
van Veen
Friederike Heumann (viola da gamba); Patrick Sepec (baroque violoncello);Eduardo
Egüez (theorbo); Dick Börner (harpsichord, organ)