$17.40

Arion ensemble
Sonatas BWV 525-530
1996, FL2 3086

Although known as Organ Sonatas these pieces were often played, as here, in the traditional baroque trio sonata format of four instrumentalists (two being assigned to the base line). Commentators agree in praising the variety of their moods, their poetic nuances, their dynamic energy, their elegance and their richness. This unique group may appear as the most radiant of all Bach’s offerings.

Arion’s enviable control of melodic and harmonic tension comes from tempos that never allow the texture to become clogged, and a way of dovetailing rather than splicing phrase together to create seamless but always musically driven momentum.
Winnipeg Free Press [Canada]

…. the sound of Claire Guimond’s flute is incredibly delectable … the somewhat darker, deeper tone accompanied by Chantal Remillard’s 1650 violin opened up to me new worlds of understanding of this incredibly beautiful music.  … Arion’s bass line is richer and more variable, with Hank Knox sometimes using the “Lautenzug” (lute stop) to create some marvellous effects in a couple of slow movements…. Blissful listening! Tasteful, gloriously competent and anything except superficial! Wonderful stuff!
– Leslie Richford, Reviewer.