Product Review

Although information about the musical education of Johannes Scheck is hard to come by, he is still remembered as one of the greatest virtuoso viola da gamba players of 17th-century Europe. This CD contains some of the most exciting and influential sonatas from his second published work: Tyd en Konst-Offningen Op.2, the first of his instrumental creations for the da gamba, was released in Amsterdam in 1688. It is in this collection that we see Schenck starting to depart from the purely Italian style of composing that he had previously pursued. Employing a technically challenging style that stands in marked contrast to the editions prepared for amateurs that were so common during the period, he moves in these 15 sonatas (six of which are included on this release) towards the blend of European styles that led to his own signature method of composing and would, eventually, see his career go overseas. Recondita Armonia was founded by Cuban-born Lixsania Fernández, who has also collaborated with Le Tendre Amour for two other Brilliant Classics recordings ('All in a Garden Green' and De Bousset's Cantates Spirituales). Lixsania is based in Spain, but participates in festivals and recordings for both television and radio stations all around the world. Recorded in September 2013 in Spain. Booklet includes notes on the music and the principal artist.