Customer Reviews

Boismortier: Serenades Francaises, Fragments Melodiques, Bassoon Concerto, Concerto pour Zampogna

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I'm writing this to add a different perspective to the other review by KerrLines.

Where KerrLines finds faults, I actually find pluses. While I agree that this is not a "relaxing" Baroque disc, that should not be a drawback for those seeking out very lively, tuneful music.

Is this disc repetitive? Pehaps to a point, but luckily all of the music is quite good, so I can't complain for having too much of a good thing.

And the sound...yes, it is very "up-front" and full of rich bass and reverb. Again, I see this as a plus. This music is not meant to lull you to sleep; it is laden with vigorous dance tunes and the booming sonics on this recording are an appropriate compliment.

And now for that "annoying" Concerto for Zampogna (Italian bagpipe). As has always been the case, bagpipes are an instrument that people either love or hate. Some find their sound to be thrilling and exotic, others find them down right painful. Of course, this is a simple matter of tatse. Even if you are not normally drawn to bagpipe music, Boismortier's brief concerto for the instrument is at least a fascinating listen.

The performances are top-shelf; with great performers and great sound, how can you go wrong?

So, if you like your music to make you sleepy, look elsewhere. If you enjoy robust, foot tapping tunes that are expertly presented...this is the disc for you.

First, let me say that I agree with Reviewer Homenick 100 per cent. At the same time I can understand where Reviewer KerrLines is coming from. I think the point is that Boismortier wrote in a certain French Baroque style. Like all music either you have a taste for it or you don't. For me Boismortier's music is always delightful If you want to try a fun piece (and it is very cheap on Amazon) try his 'Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse' also performed by Herve Niquet and Le Concert Spirituel. It is an hour of sheer delight. The French Baroque is of course different from the Italian and the German. One should not expect it to be the same. Try Rameau, Lully (yes, I know he was Italian) but also Mondonville. I am sure you will be rewarded.

An entire cd of Boismortier can be a little, no,rather monotonous,especially if the collection is full of fragments and very short,similar pieces.The playing is certainly above average and very French in style and interpretation, as you would expect from Herve Niquet, who has established himself as quite a Baroque revivalist.The famous Bassoon Concerto is ably performed by French bassoonist Laurent Le Chenadec,andis a delightful respite twelve "fragments melodiques".The concerto for the Musette de cour "Zampogna" is a tad annoying as the instrument drones incessantly.Still,this is a well performed cd and gives breath to what the French Baroque and its instruments were like.

What I do not like is the way in which this cd was recorded.It is very "alive" with too much reverb either added or from the natural room.Still, it is not at all a relaxing listen,but more frenetic and noisy.This cd is only for the most serious lover of French Baroque, more specifically an admirer of Boismortier's music.