Avison/Scarlatti Twelve Concerti Grossi after Scarlatti The Brandenburg Consort/Roy Goodman HYPERION Dyad CDD22060 [1994] These are delightful novelties, which should have broader currency, given the popularity of Scarlatti's harpsichord sonatas with domestic keyboard players, then and now. Highly praised on original release, they should be snapped up by listeners who enjoy baroque music but want something 'different'. Played with style and affection by a renowned specialist team, and highly praised on original release, this "dyad" (two CDs for the price of one) should be snapped up by listeners who enjoy baroque music but want something 'different'. The Avison Ensemble This is a triple-CD of twelve concerti in a book style package. Reliable performances by a group which is steeped in the idiom through their thorough exploration of their local Newcastle composer, Charles Avison. Recommended, but take them in small helpings, I advise...
CHARLES AVISON: HARPSICHORD SONATAS, Op. 5 & 7 Divine Art dda21215 A welcome pendant to the concerti grossi. These are fully written-out harpsichord pieces with optional strings accompaniments, intended for domestic ‘private Amusement', not for public concerts. The keyboard parts are virtuosic and relished by Gary Cooper. The modest string parts enrich the effect of the music, which we found very acceptable as breakfast time tafelmusik ! Peter Grahame Woolf
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