Strikingly unembellished, they move smoothly in time without the fits and starts of, for example, the suites of Couperin. These pieces are rich with the air of the Classical period, particularly in their use of Alberti basses and square melodies. The Allegro movements have the energy of Mozart's serenades, and the sequential passages move smoothly from section to section. As a whole, they are delightful. She is a master of subtlety.
Cadences are prepared with scrutiny and repeats are performed without remorse.
The music never dulls or becomes trite under her touch. This is a wonderful addition to any collection, offering a brief glimpse into the British musical household and the comforts of everyday life. Eleonora Beck is Assistant Professor of Music at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She has published pieces on Meredith Monk and Italian composer Fiorenza Gilioli.