LES DELICES DE LA SOLITUDE OP.20

? Michel Corrette (1707-1795) was born in a musical family, his father was organist, his grandfather dancing master. He was a famous composer, teacher and organist, his long lifetime seeing the cultural change from the Baroque to the Classical era. This transformation is also apparent in his music, from the strict and elaborate Baroque forms to the charming and transparent classical language. ? Corrette’s intriguingly titled “Les délices de la solitude” is a series of sonatas for viola da gamba, cello, bassoon and continuo, an unusual combination of dark and rich instrumental colours. The language is lyrical, dramatic, with a predominance of the melody, full of rhythmic elasticity and emotional tension. ? Played by the Italian group Opera Prima, led by violist Cristiano Contadin, who already recorded a superb Telemann 5CD set on Brilliant classics (BC94831), which was CD of the Month in CLASSIC VOICE.