This release marks a new collaboration between Linn Records and Retrospect Ensemble.
Released to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the birth of “Henry Purcell: Ten Sonata’s in Four Parts”, is performed by Retrospect Trio, a group formed under the umbrella of the larger Retrospect brand. The release date will coincide with the launch of Retrospect, formerly known as The King’s Consort.
This recording explores the timeless beauty of Purcell’s first set of sonatas including the magnificent Sonata IX, known as 'The Golden Sonata'.
The Ten Sonata’s in Four Parts (published after Purcell's death in 1697) provide a fascinating insight into the cosmopolitan and often conflicting stylistic tastes of English musicians in the latter part of the seventeenth century.
Purcell blends the significant French, Italian and English influences including unique use of counterpoint, unusual and exotic dissonances and strikingly abrupt melodic changes of direction.
The name Retrospect Trio acknowledges the common practice of not recognising the continuo presence in either the title of the pieces or the performing group.
The four members of the group, Sophie Gent (violin), Matthew Truscott (violin), Jonathan Manson (bass viol) and Matthew Halls (harpsichord / organ, are all distinguished international performers in their own right with a shared passion for historically-informed music-making.
Matthew Halls was Associate Director (2005-2007) and Artistic Director (2007-2009) of The King’s Consort before taking up his position as Artistic Director of Retrospect Ensemble.
“Henry Purcell: Ten Sonata’s in Four Parts” is a fitting tribute to Purcell by four superstar baroque instrumentalists and the first recording in the highly anticipated Retrospect Ensemble series.
“The entire set counts as one of the pinnacles of baroque chamber music — adagios and largos are tinged with a uniquely Purcellian melancholy, while the many vivace numbers show the composer revelling in the spirit of baroque dance. The playing is immaculate — expressive and alert to all the nuance and variety of this superb music. An absolute winner for the Purcell year.” Sunday Times, 31st May 2009 *****
“…to produce music rich in contrapuntal argument, ear-catching harmonies melodic felicities and suave fluidity. Retrospect captures it all with an inexhaustible spirit of delight in the Purcellian moment… Violinists Sophie Gent and Matthew Truscott take in turns to occupy the lead violin chair; a potent demonstration of the generous reciprocity which informs the playing throughout.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2009 ****
“Matthew Truscott and Sophie Gent take turns as first violinist in five of the sonatas each, and the quality of conversational playing between them is deeply eloquent. Halls and Jonathan Manson contribute polished and heartfelt continuo-playing.” Gramophone Magazine, September 2009
Gramophone Awards 2009
Gramophone Magazine
