Into The Light
OPR, 2025
9/10
The Boston ensemble Musicians Of The Old Post Road are versed in music from the Baroque to early Romantic eras, and these 7 selections include world premieres in a chamber setting.
“Quartet in G Minor for strings and continuo, GWV 724” opens with much cautiousness, as Benjamin Katz’s warm harpsichord suits the gripping strings, and “Sonata à Quattro in G Major for flute, two violas, and continuo, FaWV N:G1” follows with the dreamy flute adding much richness to the poetic delivery.
In the middle, “Trio Sonata in B Minor for flute, violin, and continuo, GWV 219” emits much melody via the wind and flowing violin, while “Quartet in D Minor for flute, violin, viola, and continuo, TWV43:d2” pairs the agile viola with intricate violin.
Landing near the end, “Sonata in G Major for flute, obbligato harpsichord, and continuo, GWV 708”, the best selection, is a rich moment thanks to the precise layering, and “Concerto in D Major for flute, strings, and continuo, GWV 310” exits with elegance and prettiness surrounding the dynamic and thoughtful instrumentation.
The players in attendance include Suzanne Stumpf (traverso), Sarah Darling (violin, viola), Jesse Irons (violin), Marcia Cassidy (viola), Daniel Ryan (cello) and the aforementioned Katz, and they illuminate these rediscovered pieces by the German composer Christoph Graupner and associates with much timelessness and precison.
Travels well with: Daniel Strong Godfrey- Toward Light; Louise Dubin- Passages: French Cello Works