Search - Giovanni Battista Buonamente, Louis Constantin, Giovanni Battista Fontana :: Pachelbel: Canon / Other 17th-Century Music for 3 Violins

Not Your Usual "Canon"

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 01/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Andrew Manze has made a name for himself by making exquisite performances, predominently on period instruments, of both greater and lesser known Baroque music. His recordings are not for everyone, but they certainly have introduced classical listeners to countless composers that history had long since forgotten. This CD featuring an original version of Pachelbel's "Canon" is no different. Baroque Violinists Manze, John Holloway and Stanley Ritchie and harpsichordist/organist John Toll, along with Nigel North on theorbo, and Mary Springfels on viola da gamba, tackle obscure pieces by (equally obscure composers) Marini, Uccellini, Hacquart, Buonamente and Rosier. The albums best performances are the original version of "Canon" and Pachelbel's "Gigue," and Purcell's "Three Parts Upon A Ground," which sounds more like the modern versions of "Canon" than this original version does. While this is a wonderful session, many will want a more modern rendition and might I suggest Karajan's or the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's recording for that. However, if you are looking for a fine collection of lesser-known Baroque masterpieces, and a different take on some better known Baroque favorites, then you have come to the right place."