Catalogue

Summary:

“… In the Brook Street Band’s vibrant version there is broad, sweeping beauty in the beginning strains of Sonata No 1, which Handel based on his so-called violin concerto composed pedal note. The band’s playful scurrying and zest invigorate between moderate joyfulness in the music … the Brook Street Band take the listener on a rollercoaster that takes in all the work’s very earliest Arcadian life.” – David Vickers. Gramophone 

“… a treasure house of miniature delights – a charming gavotte (No. 1); colourful musette framing an energetic allegro (No. 2); a haunting rondeau melody which followed me round for hours (No. 3). The Band is highly polished… and infectiously enthusiastic.” ★★★★ – George Pratt, BBC Music magazine 

“…the Brook Street Band. The smartest new baroque band around, they deliver these seven sonatas with consistent panache and musicality… if you need instant sunshine, play this disc.” ★★★★ – Geoff Brown, The Times 

“… so infectious is the enthusiasm of these gifted players for their Baroque master that you will find it hard to suppress a smile at the sheer energy and effervescence that bounce out of this disc” – Anthony Holden, The Observer 

“The Brook Street Band are a lively ensemble of period instrumentalists, always stylish, occasionally daring in their expressive response to this glorious music…” – Hugh Canning, The Sunday Times 

“The four members of the Band play with flawless ensemble and beautifully controlled intonation, their unruffled and confident approach underlined by their generally comfortable pacing…” – Christopher Price, International Record Review 

“They play Handel with sprightliness and a joie de vivre that lets you know this composer will never go out of style… the performances on this CD have such spontaneity…” – Atlanta Audio Society Classic Reviews

The Brook Street Band secured their place on the musical map with their Avie debut of the world-premiere recording of Handel’s “Oxford” Water Music, a delightful chamber version of the evergreen work. A Gramophone Editor’s Choice sealed the Brook Street Band’s Handelian credentials. They further proclaim their allegiance to the baroque master with this, their follow-up CD of the charming Trio Sonatas, Op. 5. Handel was a renowned recycler of his own music and these informal works are full of one familiar tune after the other. Treated to The Brook Street Band’s effervescent interpretations, this disc is another winner for the all-girl baroque band.

Tracklist:

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685–1759)
Trio Sonatas, Op. 5

Sonata No. 1 in A Major (8:16)
1. I. Andante (2:11)
2. II. Allegro (1:43)
3. III. Larghetto (0:58)
4. IV. Allegro (2:07)
5. V. Gavotte (1:15)

Sonata No. 2 in D Major (7:39)
6. I. Adagio (0:44)
7. II. Allegro (1:31)
8. III. Musette (3:32)
9. IV. Marche-Gavotte (1:50)

Sonata No. 3 in E Minor (9:20)
10. I. Andante larghetto (2:29)
11. II. Allegro (0:56)
12. III. Sarabande (2:21)
13. IV. Allemande (1:02)
14. V. Rondeau (0:59)
15. VI. Gavotte (1:29)

Sonata No. 4 in G Major (13:59)
16. I. Allegro (5:51)
17. II. Passacaille (4:34)
18. III. Gigue (3:33)

Sonata No. 5 in G Minor (11:04)
19. I. Largo (2:18)
20. II. Come alla breve (2:22)
21. III. Larghetto (1:10)
22. IV. A tempo giusto (2:18)
23. V. Air (1:59)
24. VI. Bourée (0:55)

Sonata No. 6 in F Major (12:33)
25. I. Largo (2:00)
26. II. Allegro – Adagio (2:12)
27. III. Adagio (2:50)
28. IV. Allegro (2:27)
29. V. Andante (2:04)

Sonata No. 7 in B Flat Major (9:21)
30. I: Larghetto (2:09)
31. II: Allegro ma non presto (2:15)
32. III: Adagio – Allegro (1:51)
33. IV: Gavotte (1:15)
34. V: Menuetto (1:49)

Total Duration: 71:30

Recorded 29 March – 1 April 2005, at Raveningham Church, Raveningham, Norfolk
Recording producer and engineer: Simon Fox-Gál