The present performances exude a sense of enjoyment in the verve the artists bring to the second and last movements of the Handel F major and the delicious lightness of the initial Allegro of the Quantz; and in the Telemann A minor (from the Essercizii musici) Pamela Thorby and Rachel Podger exhibit virtuoso tonguing and bowing. – GRAMOPHONE
Trios For 4
Palladian Ensemble
Handel: Trio Sonata, HWV 386b in B minor, Op. 2 No. 1
Handel: Trio Sonata, HWV 389 in F major, Op. 2 No. 4
Leclair, J-M: Ouvertura In G Major Op. 13 No. 1
Quantz: Sonata In C Major
Telemann: Sonata TWV 41:a6 in A minor for viola da gamba & b.c.
Telemann: Trio Sonata in G minor, TWV42:g9
When Trios For 4 was first released the Palladian Ensemble was riding high following a sell-out ‘Rising Stars’ concert series in Europe with performances at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Konzerthaus Wien, Frankfurt Alte Oper, and London’s South Bank Centre.
Together Rachel Podger, Pamela Thorby, Susanne Heinrich and William Carter formed a quartet of the highest calibre; confirmed by the solo successes each went on to enjoy in their respective careers.
In a cleverly chosen programme the Palladian Ensemble perform works by Handel, Telemann, Leclair and Quantz which perfectly demonstrate the diversity of styles typical of the eighteenth century.
The works have been uniquely adapted to suit the Palladian Ensemble’s scoring of recorder, violin, viola da gamba and guitar / archlute.
This joyful recording is full of Palladian Ensemble characteristics – namely their ability to present baroque chamber music infused with style, uninhibited virtuosity and intelligent musicianship.