History has not been especially kind to composers of Classical music. Either their music has been lost of forgotten on some dusty shelf. Given that the violin has existed since about 1530, written music for this instrument is quite extensive. How much of it has been recorded? Who can say for sure. As a result, finding priceless gems to perform upon the violin is a matter of luck, skill, and knowledge. One category that is being explored by Trio Settecento is the trio sonata for solo violin and continuo. A recent CD issued by Cedille records (CDR 90000 114) and titled “A German Bouquet” is a sampling of some of these gems. Composers like Johann Schop, and Johann Philipp Krieger are found on this CD along with better-known composers like Dietrich Buxtehude and J.S. Bach. As such, the CD provides an overview of music for the solo violin from about the beginning of the Baroque to its end.

Rachel Barton Pine performs flawlessly some very difficult music on an unaltered Baroque violin made by Nicola Gagliano, Italy, 1770. The continuo part (actually a viola da gamba and keyboard) are also well performed by John Mark Rozendaal playing viola da gamba made by William Turner, London, 1650, and David Schrader playing harpsichord made by William Martin, Bethlehem, PA, 1977 or positiv organ made by Gerrit Klop, Netherlands. Given that these instrument have different ranges of volume, the recording artist for this CD must be given credit for a difficult job recording these instruments...Additionally, the liner notes for Cedille’s CD are well researched and thoughtfully written. This CD is best listened to with a good glass of wine and a cozy chair after a stressful day.