The Art of the Violin = CORELLI: Violin Sonatas, Op. 5 (complete); VIVALDI: Concert for the Prince of Poland; REBEL: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1, 3-9; MOZART: Violin Concertos 3-5, K. 216, 218, 219 – Andrew Manze, violin and conductor – Harmonia mundi (5 CDs)

by | Sep 23, 2010 | Classical Reissue Reviews | 0 comments

The Art of the Violin = CORELLI: Violin Sonatas, Op. 5 (complete); VIVALDI: Concert for the Prince of Poland; REBEL: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1, 3-9; MOZART: Violin Concertos 3-5, K. 216, 218, 219 – Andrew Manze, violin and conductor/ Richard Egarr, harpsichord/ Jaap ter Linden, viola da gamba/Academy of Ancient Music/ The English Concert – Harmonia mundi 2907541.45 (5 CDs), 5:50:30 *****:

Andrew Manze is one of those rarities—a scholar who also performs with a heart. Though I can think of no one as involved in the contemporary baroque/classical R&D movement, his reasons for doing anything are always well-considered and implemented, and evidently critics and public alike share the enthusiasm—his recordings are certainly award-winning and well worth owning.

This is going to be an easy review, and I am going to cheat. For info on the Mozart disc, go Here. ; for Corelli Here; for Vivaldi Here.  As you can see, we at Audiophile Audition think highly of this guy Manze. The only one we seemed to miss was the equally delectable album of sonatas by Jean-Fery Rebel (1866-1747), a student of Lully and accomplished and noted violinist. His sonatas, curiously done in the Italian style (one of the first Frenchmen to do this) are characterized by fiery temperament and French finesse—odd but true. Mainly known for his ballets, Rebel’s chamber music is now coming to the fore, and this recording went a long way to inspire that, the added viola da gamba, sometimes even in competition with the violin, providing complexity and warmth, and the music always colorful and intricate. This is a great addition to any baroque collection.

This set is offered at midprice, so if you missed these the first time around you will kick yourself for not getting them now. Outstanding!

— Steven Ritter

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