Handel Sonatas op.1 (Harmonia Mundi)

Double cd

CD 1

Flute Sonata in E minor HWV 359 op.1 no.1

Recorder Sonata in G minor HWV 360 op.1 no.2

Violin Sonata in A major HWV 361 op.1 no.3

Recorder Sonata in A minor HWV 362 op.1 no.4

Flute Sonata in G major HWV 363b op.1 no.5

Oboe Sonata in G minor HWV 364a op.1 no.6

Recorder Sonata in C major HWV 365 op.1 no.7

Oboe Sonata in C minor HWV 366 op.1 no.8

CD2

Flute Sonata in B minor HWV 367b op.1 no.9

Violin Sonata in G minor HWV 368 op.1 no.10

Recorder Sonata in F major HWV 369 op.1 no.11

Violin Sonata in F major HWV 370 op.1 no.12

Violin Sonata in A major HWV 372 op.1 no.10 (Roger)

Oboe Sonata in F major (manuscript)

Violin Sonata in E major HWV 373 op.1 no.12 (Roger)

The Academy of Ancient Music

Rachel Brown - flute & recorder (copies of Palanca and Stanesby jnr. by Martin Wenner)

Richard Egarr - harpsichord

Pavlo Beznosiuk - violin

Frank de Bruine - oboe

The soloists slide easily from austerity to opulence, and Brown's dewy-toned recorder is enchanting.

The Independent

The playing is highly expressive; Rachel Brown opens the Largo of No 9, the weightiest of all the sonatas, with heart-rending pathos. Fast movements are so technically secure that they retain a sense of spaciousness, though there are sparkling moments of virtuosity... Recorded sound is good, particularly in the balance of flute/recorder with harpsichord. Highly commended as both the complete Op. 1 package and as deeply satisfying performances.

BBC Music Magazine