Baroque recommendations

Posted by: Colin Lorenson on 17 March 2013

Two recordings from todays menu, both highly recommend.

 

Archiv Productions 439866-2. Anne Sofie von Otter (what a voice) singing Marian Cantata and Arias by Handel, with accompaniment using original instruments.  This is an absolutely wonderful recording, so full of life and passion with reference quality sonics.

 

On a slightly different note but equally excellent, Joel Frederiksen - Requiem for a Pink Moon.  Sub-titled "an Elizabethan Tribute to Nick Drake". Nicks songs sung by Joel with accompaniment on period instruments interspersed with songs of the period.  It shouldn't work, but it does, superbly.

 

Samples available on Amazon before buying for the cautious.  Fill your boots!

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 25 March 2013 by VladtheImpala
Originally Posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:

Looks interesting Maurice. I discovered Bruno Cocset's work in Barrière's cello sonatas (this was playing in a record store in Lyon and stopped me in my tracks... I miss France )

 

 

 

You won't be disappointed with this!

 

Regards,

Vlad

Posted on: 26 March 2013 by JWM

And 'Top of the Baroques' itself, JS Bach, St Matthew Passion.  I like the Hermann Max on Capriccio.  The narrative drama of the text is carried along at a good pace, rather than the many other rather lugubrious readings, which rather than conveying gravitas tend to convey lead.

 

Posted on: 28 March 2013 by JWM

Another Baroque fave of mine, Pergolesi's Stabat Mater.

 

This is a popular piece for recording artists and so there are many out there.  There may be better, but if you are rather bewildered by the choice, a very reliable one is that with Mirella Freni and Teresa Berganza on Archiv (the Baroque and earlier music arm of DG) which I discovered in and have enjoyed since 1988 - a [slightly] oldie, but a goodie!

 

Posted on: 23 May 2013 by m0omo0

Just a quick update to thank Jan-Erik for the Anne Gastinel and Jean Barrière albums (cheers to Vlad as well for this one).

 

The Suites are very moving. I must be honest here in saying that I had never heard them as a whole before, so I have no real point of comparison. But I like this recording very much anyway.

 

I really love the second one as well. A totally new discovery, but a great pleasure to explore.

 

(Oh, and Viola d'Amore is wonderful too, although a little bit more difficult for me. I couldn't say why. I need to spend more time with Hélène.)

 

Other thanks to follow,

Maurice

Posted on: 23 May 2013 by VladtheImpala
Originally Posted by m0omo0:

Just a quick update to thank Jan-Erik for the Anne Gastinel and Jean Barrière albums (cheers to Vlad as well for this one).

 

The Suites are very moving. I must be honest here in saying that I had never heard them as a whole before, so I have no real point of comparison. But I like this recording very much anyway.

 

I really love the second one as well. A totally new discovery, but a great pleasure to explore.

 

(Oh, and Viola d'Amore is wonderful too, although a little bit more difficult for me. I couldn't say why. I need to spend more time with Hélène.)

 

Other thanks to follow,

Maurice

I'm always happy to accept undeserved credit!

Posted on: 23 May 2013 by T38.45

Archive label has a Baroque box, maybe you check the content,,,think this is a pretty good overview

Ralf

Posted on: 23 May 2013 by woodcook

Just look for Emma Kirkby singing anything.  One of the finest baroque singers of her or any generation.

Posted on: 23 May 2013 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by m0omo0

(Oh, and Viola d'Amore is wonderful too, although a little bit more difficult for me. I couldn't say why. I need to spend more time with Hélène.)

She will repay you well. The viola d'amore is very rich in overtones, which can take some getting used to. 

 

Your post (thank you) reminded me that I had forgotten to order the Geminiani and Handel recordings, which I've just done. Some robots ( or underpaid workers) are currently assembling my order in a large warehouse close to some international airport. Shopping is simple yet very strange these days.

 

Mes salutations,

 

Jan

Posted on: 24 May 2013 by m0omo0

Oh, and I noticed Anne Gastinel recorded the Suites in Sion, in the canton of Valais. (A regarded place for Baroque music, thanks to a successful festival.)

 

PS: Nice lapsus, I first wrote Barique music. Well, Valais is quite well-know for their wine too !