Hyperion UK
2007
Geminiani: La Folia
About This Album
A lovely disc when it was first released in 1987 as part of Hyperion's series of recordings built around works based on the famous, sinuous La Folia theme, this disc of chamber and orchestral music by Francesco Geminiani performed by England's Purcell Quartet and Purcell Band was equally lovely when it was re-released 20 years later in 2007. Alternating between two sonatas, three trio sonatas, and two concerto grossi, the Purcell Quartet and Band have created a wonderfully varied program that never fatigues the listener with too much of anything. With ace period instrument violinists Catherine Mackintosh and Elizabeth Wallfisch, cellist Richard Boothby, and harpsichordist Robert Woolley, the Purcell Quartet has a clear tone, a cool intonation, and a lively sense of rhythm, and the performances are consistently enthusiastic and energetic. As for the title work, the full Purcell Band puts its back into the 10-minute tour de force and succeeds in creating a wholly mesmerizing performance. It should be added that Hyperion does not appear to have in any way remastered the early digital sound -- but that's alright because even Hyperion's early digital sound was clean, warm, and detailed, and it still sounds just fine. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
Track List

Trio Sonata For Violin, Violone (or 2 Violins) & Continuo No. 9 (aka "No. 3") In F Major, Op. 1/9
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Concerto Grosso, For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo No.12 In D Minor ("La Follia"; After Corelli Op. 5/12)
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Trio Sonata For Violin, Violone (or 2 Violins) & Continuo No. 3 In Eminor, Op. 1/3
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Trio Sonata For Violin, Violone (or 2 Violins) & Continuo No. 11 (aka "No. 5") In A Minor, Op. 1/11
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Trio Sonata For Violin, Violone (or 2 Violins) & Continuo No. 12 (aka "No. 6") In D Minor, Op. 1/12
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Sonata For Violin & Continuo No. 12 In A Major, Op. 4/12
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16.
Concerto Grosso, For 2 Flutes, Bassoon, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Strings & Continuo In D Minor, Op. 7/2
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