Search - Francesco Corbetta, Robert de Visee :: Corbetta and Visee: Suites for Guitars and Theorbos

A theorbo lover's delight

scott | Calgary, Canada | 12/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording was a real discovery for me. I have always loved the sound of the theorbo, with the unstopped diapasons sounding out from the bottom of the instrument. Usually they are confined to the continuo section, but here they can be heard on their own.



The suites by de Visee were originally for one player, but were ingeniously reworked by the composer for two. The texture is very thick, but transparent due to the incisive attack of the plucked strings. The suite in e minor is particularly fine, especially the Sarabande with it's delicate mordents and the most poignant petit reprise I have heard. I acutely regret that Moscardo and Bellocq have never recorded more of this repetoire, for I find it extremely enjoyable.



The guitar works by Corbetta are also very nice, although I do find myself concentrating on the Visee suites when I listen to this disc.



At the price Naxos is offering this, there is no reason at all to not purchase it. This is elegant, sophisticated music, played on obscure, beautiful sounding instruments by players of great sensitivity and artistry."