Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer: Duo Amadè, Catherine Mackintosh, Geoffrey Govier
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Chandos
Catalogue: CHAN0772
Release: 2010
Size: 279 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Violin Sonata No. 24 in F major, K376
01. I. Allegro
02. II. Andante
03. III. Rondo: Allegretto grazioso
Violin Sonata No. 26 in B flat major, K378
04. I. Allegro moderato
05. II. Andantino sostenuto e cantabile
06. III. Rondo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 35 in A major, K526
07. I. Molto Allegro
08. II. Andante
09. III. Presto
Catherine Mackintosh and Geoffrey Govier formed Duo Amadè in order to perform the charming and intimate works for keyboard and violin by Mozart in concert, often with readings from his family letters. In 2006 Duo Amadè performed the whole cycle at the Royal College of Music. Catherine Mackintosh in particular has long been recognised as a pioneering early music spirit and in recording the complete cycle of duo sonatas is fulfilling the ambition of a lifetime.
The First Volume (CHAN0755) of Duo Sonatas was released in late 2008, being made an ‘Editor’s Choice’ by Gramophone in recognition of its musicality and ‘historically informed performance’. The Second Volume (CHAN0764) was a ‘Critics’ Choice’ in the December 2009 issue of the same magazine, Duncan Druce writing: ‘I’ve been enjoying the infectiously enthusiastic music-making on Duo Amadè’s second volume of Mozart sonatas. In these wonderful works, Geoffrey Govier and Catherine Mackintosh give the instrumental dialogue the wit and verve of a spirited operatic exchange.’
In this third collection of sonatas, featuring KV 376, KV 378, and KV 526, Duo Amadè once again offers performances of similar spirit and style.
Geoffrey Govier plays a fortepiano made by Christopher Clarke in Cluny, after an instrument by Anton Walter, while Catherine Mackintosh plays a violin by Giovanni Grancino, dating from 1703. These instruments bring a lightness and freshness of articulation to these delightful works, entirely in keeping with the spirit of enlightenment in which the sonatas were written.