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Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Three Sonatas for Violin & Fortepiano, Op. 1b

Andrew McIntosh & Steven Vanhauwaert
TT
Olde Focus Recordings FCR923

According to the briefest of booklet notes, the present performers were looking for “something to do together in video form” at the height of the Covid pandemic. Having played through the three two-movement sonatas of Saint-Georges’ Op. 1b, they “fell in love with them all” and the rest, as they say… Like many sonatas of the period (these were printed in 1781) – and pace the booklet – the violin, though clearly marked as obbligato, is the junior partner in the relationship; “Trois sonates pour le clavecin ou forte-piano avec accompagnement de violon oblige”. That is not to say that the violin part is technically any less demanding than that of the keyboard; as you would expect from someone who was known internationally for his virtuosity (and his skills as a swordsman), there are some very tricky passages. Andrew McIntosh is not only their equal, but he (like his colleague, Steven Vanhauwaert, who plays a copy of a Walther fortepiano) liberally sprinkles repeats with improvised decorations.

As with all the recordings I have heard from Olde Focus Recordings, the sound quality is absolutely first rate. Balancing a keyboard instrument with a violin is not without its challenges; Ryan Streber has managed not only to do that, but also to make it sound totally natural.

The music is available digitally HERE, and you can sample the present performances HERE.

Brian Clark

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