Customer Reviews

Held By The Ears

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The Palladian Ensemble's fun-filled interpretation of the music and world of Nicola Matteis, 18th century composer and virtuoso string player, is the most enjoyable I have heard to date. The Italian composer's own works are interspersed with delightfully arranged tunes from Scotland, where Matteis settled, composed and, for a time, prospered. The group's combination of recorder, violin, cello and theorbo/archlute/guitar is perfect for Baroque compositions-soaring fast and high, yet grounded with the delicacy and gravitas expected of chamber music. The whimsical ornamentation and dead-on intonation of Pamela Thorby's recorder playing is truly phenomenal, given the fickleness of the instrument in less talented hands. Violinist Rachel Podger's finesse and artistry are a perfectly match for Thorby, and the two whip through complex melodies and harmonies with exquisite glee. The cover photo for this CD shows the members of the Palladian Ensemble laughing and in motion, and I imagine this must have been their state while recording the album as well. I haven't had such fun listening to Baroque music in quite a while, and I can't help but grin every time I play this recording, which is frequently. For complimentary recordings of the music of Matteis, try two other releases by the Palladian Ensemble, "An Excess of Pleasure", and "A Choice Collection: Music of Purcell's London", each of which contain three Matteis compositions. Also, for the slightly richer sound of two violins above gamba, theorbo and Baroque guitar, try Chatham Baroque's "The Scotch Humour: Music of Nicola Matteis".

The CD I brought was in very good condition, as it was exactly described by the seller. I'm very happy with this purchase.