Handel

Sonatas for Violin & Basso Continuo Handel

The Brook Street Band's enthusiasm for the music of George Frideric Handel shines through on this recording of the nine Violin Sonatas by- or attributed to- the Baroque composer. The ensemble's 10th release for Avie compliments it's critically acclaimed and award-winning discography of a wide variety of Handel's chamber music and vocal works. Combining consummate artistry with characteristic research, The Brook Street Band- posing the question 'how many violin sonatas did Handel actually compose?'- offers nine works composed over a span of 40 years, from the German-born Handel's early years honing his style in Italy to his later years as a leading light in London. He composed some and his name has been variously ascribed to others, depending on which publisher was cashing in, perhaps in cahoots with the commercially-minded composer. But who really knows and one could say who cares, with music of such color performed with such passion. "These performances have a powerful stamp of authority... Handel himself would have found real cause for celebration." (International Record Review on The Brook Street Band's album of Handel Cello Sonatas) "