John Holloway

Intrada di Polcinelli: Johann Heinrich Schmelzer in Kromĕříž?
Classical, Baroque | 1 CD | EAC | FLAC, CUE, LOG | Scans | 334 MB | Rapidshare
Recorded: 1, 4 & 14 Sept. 1999, Kromĕříž Castle | Released: 2000 | Label: Musicaphon M 56832 | TT: 62:51
John Holloway - baroque violin | Barbara Maria Willi - harpsichord, organ | Jaap ter Linden - viola da gamba | Nigel North - theorbo, baroque guitar

The rooms of the Castle in Kromĕříž [Kremsier] are an inspiring and acoustically attractive ambient for the music that must have resounded here in past times. The sound on the CD, which has not been enhanced in any way, represents the rich acoustics of the picture gallery where the recording was made. […] (Barbara Maria Willi)

The introductory Ricercar and the first group of Canons are presented clearly but not pedantically on one or two harpsichords, and the sensitively played Trio Sonata follows, given added color by using flute, violin and continuo. The Canon perpetua is then heard on the same combination and, for all the remaining Canons except one, Moroney returns to his harpsichord(s). Good recording, truthfully transferred.

This six-CD box set brings together four major concerto sets composed including the most famous Il Cimento dell'Armonia e l'Invenzione awarded pride of place.
The eminently reliable Academy of Ancient Music play their period instruments with consummate zest under their charismatic conductor Christopher Hogwood and these sets date back to the early digital cum late analogue days when the fabled 'L'Oiseau-Lyre' label still produced those lavishly packaged boxes with their distinctive white covers and the wonderful paintings.