European Baroque Masters in London: Handel and Barthélemon

A wonderful album of music by 2 baroque composers who moved from their respective European countries (Handel from Germany and Barthélemon from France) to the more hospitable conditions of 18th Century London, where they prospered and flourished, creating their best works and propelling the development and historical shaping up of music as an art form. Arranging Handel's works for the sonically sumptuous combination of violin, double bass and organ brings great dimensions and richness, especially with Gary Karr's famous and fabulous bel canto sound on the double bass, and Elmira Darvarova's beautifully expressive violin tone. Their legato lines are out of this world, seamlessly spun with utmost flexibility and elegance. The less familiar (or, I should say, even totally unfamiliar!) duos by Francois-Hipolytte Barthélemon (1741-1808) - a friend of Haydn - are gorgeously interpreted by Elmira Darvarova and Gary Karr (Karr taking up the part of the 2nd violin, which appears to be no less virtuosic and demanding than the part of the 1st violin!). The rapport between these artists is astonishing, with their phrasing and dialogue going into some great depths. A magnificent album, presenting some previously unheard and unrecorded works to be sampled, enjoyed and appreciated. I also just bought the sequel to this CD (Volume 2), which presents works by another baroque European composer relocating from his native country and flourishing in London - the Jewish-Italian Jacobo Cervetto. Can't wait to hear Karr, Darvarova and Lewis on that CD!