Alison McGillivray (baroque cello)
Geminiani: Sonatas for Violoncello & Basso Continuo

LINN CKD 251 [2005, TT 1:13:05]

Sonata op.5 no.1 in A
Sonata op.5 no.2 in D minor
Prelude (Lentement) after op.4 no.1, from Pièces de Clavecin (London 1743)
Vivement in D, after op.4 no.1, from Pièces de Clavecin (London 1743)
Sonata op.5 no.3 in C
Tendrement in G minor, after op.1 no.6, from Pièces de Clavecin
Sonata op.5 no.4 in B flat
Vivement in D minor, after op.4 no.4, from Pièces de Clavecin
Sonata op.5 no.5 in F
Sonata after op.5 no.4 in B flat, from The Second Collection of Pieces for the Harpsichord (London 1762)
Sonata op.5 no.6 in A minor

One of the year's most pleasurable debut recital records. Alison McGillivray is well known on the early music circuit and this lovingly prepared CD should become a favourite with radio producers. Geminiani's still applicable wisdom is quoted in the thorough, and thoroughly interesting, liner notes, which have an additional vein of quiet humour (see her resurrection of 'the fine 18th century institution of the Subscriber's List'; great - and well deserved - to have so many family and friends prepared to chip in!

Geminiani (1687-1762) was a cosmopolitan composer, based in London for some 18 years, but these sonatas were published in Paris (1746).

Alison is supported by David McGuiness (who takes solos to give her a rest and the CD a balanced programme) and the continuo has additional guitar and baroque cello. The sound is fine; ideal for home listening, with a real feeling of presence.

No more needs to be said; web readers can hear samples on Linn's website at http://www.linnrecords.com/cd_information/cd_information.asp?RecordingID=332