Trio Sonatas Opp. 2 & 5

"…Baroque chamber-playing of the very highest order: sincerely conversational, emotive and finely nuanced." Gramophone Magazine, March 2010

Gramophone Awards 2010: Finalist - Baroque Instrumental

Richard Egarr and the Academy of Ancient Music conclude their award-winning Handel cycle with this dazzling traversal of the Trio Sonatas of opus two and opus five.These works, less frequently heard than much of Handel's output, are brilliantly crafted, exciting, and (above all) fun pieces of chamber music. The Italianate singing style of the melodic writing is both virtuosic and sonorous. Handel took Corelli's 'sonata da chiesa' model and with consummate ease, created sparklingly diverse and richly colourful works that are clearly stamped with his own unique stylistic signature. As a conductor, Richard Egarr has presented a wide range of repertoire - from Baroque opera and oratorio to works by 20th - century composers. He is Music Director of the Academy of Ancient Music, with whom he has recorded Bach Harpsichord Concertos and Brandenburg Concertos.Together they are currently releasing a series of Handel's Opp.1-7, of which the Solo Sonatas Op.1, the Concerti Grossi Op.3 and Organ Concertos Op.4 are already available.