The two composers on this disc lived and worked in London. Rather than performing a servile role in the aristocratic courts of Europe or working as music directors in churches, they joined many of Europe’s finest musicians in London, where they were offered independence and respect. One composer is in the pantheon of greats. The other has unjustifiably become an historical footnote, and the man who is arguably the world’s greatest virtuoso double bassist is out to right this wrong!
Double bassist Gary Karr, one of the greatest living string virtuosos, presents the world premiere recordings of trios by late Baroque composer François-Hippolyte Barthélemon, coupled with his edition of string trios by Barthélemon’s friend and colleague Georg Frideric Handel. Karr is joined by his longtime keyboard collaborator Harmon Lewis and MET orchestra past concertmaster Elmira Darvarova. A must-have recording for fans of double bass, baroque music, and just plain terrific music-making!
George Frideric Handel: Sonata in g minor, Op. 2 No. 8
I. Andante • II. Allegro [energico] • III. Largo • IV. Allegro [con fermezza]
François-Hippolyte Barthélemon: Duetto I in C Major
I. Allegro moderato • II. Andante con variazioni • III. Allegretto
Barthélemon: Duetto II in A Major
I. Allegro moderato • II. Adagio • III. Rondeau. Allegretto
Handel: Sonata in E Major, Op. 2 No. 9
I. Adagio • II. Allegro • III. Adagio • IV. Allegro
Gary Karr, double bass
Elmira Darvarova, violin
Harmon Lewis, continuo
Produced by Gary Karr
Urlicht AudioVisual UAV-5993
CD release date: July 16, 2013