Schenck: The Nymphs of the Rhine, Vol. 1 (Sonatas for Two Violas da Gamba)
Baroque fans, take note: You'llwantthis CD. Dutch composer Johannes Schenck is about as obscure a figure as you could ask for, a virtuoso of the viola da gamba who served as a Dusseldorf court musician and composer and died sometime after 1712. But his 12 sonatas for two solo gambas, titledThe Nymphs of the Rhine, are simply magnificent. And this disc, for now, is the only way to hear this chamber music on CD (a second volume from Naxos contains the latter six sonatas). Susie Napper and Margaret Little, members of the Baroque ensemble Les Voix Humaines, deliver stirring performances that emphasize the gorgeous lyricism found in these compositions. These dance suites are full of long singing lines for the two solo instruments, and you'll probably hear hints of Marin Marais and Arcangelo Corelli in their interplay. Schenck's works aren't as powerful as either of those two greats (there's a reason most of us haven't heard of him, right?), but they do boast some dramatic counterpoint and a melodic beauty that's charming, to say the least. The concept of music for two viola da gambas may sound strange, but these works are warm and inviting. Words simply can't do justice to the great playing and lovely music heard on this bargain-priced disc. Just get it; you won't be sorry.--Jason Verlinde