Barockes Welttbeater [Baroque World Theatre]

Barockes Welttbeater [Baroque World Theatre] cover $35.00 Out of Stock
2-4 weeks add to cart

JOHANN HEINRICH SCHMELZER
Barockes Welttbeater [Baroque World Theatre]
Freiburger Barock-Consort

[ Harmonia Mundi / CD ]

Release Date: Sunday 1 April 2012

This item is currently out of stock. We expect to be able to supply it to you within 2 - 4 weeks from when you place your order.

The Freiburger BarockConsort has chosen to illustrate the compositions of Johann Heinrich Schmelzer as elements in a veritable little 'world theatre', an ideal concept for exploring the multiple facets of one of the great masters of 17th-century Austrian instrumental music, whose sonatas and dance suites had such influence both at the Habsburg court for which they were written and with the composers who followed in his footsteps (notably Biber).

"Johann Schmelzer's folk-influenced music is full of invention and easy charm and the superb Freiburger Barock Consort make it spring to life...the scuttering violins of the variations on "La bella pastora" hit an ideal baroque style, full of fire and fantasy." (Observer March 2012)

"Never heard of Johann Heinrich Schmelzer? Join a club of billions. But I defy you not to be enchanted by this recording...Beguiling duets for violins meld into scampering dances or delicate guitar pieces. Percussion embellishes the syncopations and all is played with grace, wit and energy. Such music must have made the Thirty Years War seem that bit shorter." (The Times)

"the resourceful and originality of Johann Schmelzer's ceremonial and entertainment music must have astonished and delighted audiences in equal measure...The performances are accomplished and enjoyable, conveying a vivid sense of the kind of occasion for which this music would have been intended...If you're after something a little different, this Harmonia Mundi offering shouldn't disappoint." (International Record Review)

Tracks:

Serenata con altre arie
Polnische Sackpfeiffen
Sonata amabilis a 4
Balletto di Pastori e Ninfe
Sonata a due in D minor
Balletto primo di Spoglia di Papagi
Sacro-Profanus Concentus Musicus: Sonata IV a 6 in aaus
Variationen über 'La bella pastora'
Balletto di Zeffiri
Sonata a due Violini scordati
Sonata (Battaglia) a 7