Buxtehude, D. - 7 Sonatas, Op. 1 Purcell Quartet

• Dieterich Buxtehude (1637 - 1707): 7 Sonatas, Op. 1:
• 1 Sonata in F major, Op. 1, No. 1, BuxWV 252 08:47
• 2 Sonata in G major, Op. 1, No. 2, BuxWV 253 07:47
• 3 Sonata in A minor, Op. 1, No. 3, BuxWV 254 08:54
• 4 Sonata in B flat major, Op. 1, No. 4, BuxWV 255 08:02
• 5 Sonata in C major, Op. 1, No. 5, BuxWV 256 08:13
• 6 Sonata in D minor, Op. 1, No. 6, BuxWV 257 07:47
• 7 Sonata in E minor, Op. 1, No. 7, BuxWV 258 06:42
• Total Runtime 56:12

Info for Buxtehude, D. - 7 Sonatas, Op. 1

This wonderful recording of seven ensemble sonatas by Dieterich Buxtehude (c.1673-1707) reflectsthe Purcell Quartet’s new, refreshing approach to late 17th-century German chamber music. The sonatas included on this disc comprise Buxtehude’s opus 1 sonata set, published in 1694 in Hamburg, one of two major publications by the composer during his lifetime—perhaps this was an attempt to tap into the growing public market for small chamber works for instruments at the end of the 17th century, thanks to Arcangelo Corelli’s trio sonata publications in the 1680s and 1690s. Buxtehude’s sonatas demonstrate a transition from sectional, pre-tonal composition to the stylistic features characteristic of the high Baroque: counterpoint-dominated textures, separate, tonally closed movements, and highly idiomatic instrumental writing.

Purcell Quartet
Catherine Mackintosh: violin
Catherine Weiss: violin
Richard Boothby: viola da gamba
Robert Woolley: harpsichord

The Purcell Quartet has become recognized as one of the leading chamber groups in the realm of Baroque music performance. As its name suggests, the group has devoted much effort to championing the chamber works of Henry Purcell, playing and recording whole chunks of his output: the complete three- and four-part sonatas and complete pavans. But the group's vast repertory also includes works by J.S. Bach, Corelli, Handel, Vivaldi, Schütz, and many other Baroque composers. In addition -- and what makes the Purcell players unique -- they have staged operas, such as Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea and have presented large choral works in concert by Bach, including cantatas and masses. They have also made over 40 recordings, mostly for the Chandos label.

The Purcell Quartet was founded in London in 1983, but did not give its debut concert until February 14, the following year, at London's St. John's, Smith Square. The group's members then were Robert Woolley (keyboard), Catherine Mackintosh (violin), Elizabeth Wallfisch (second violin), and Richard Boothby (cello; viola da gamba). Only one change in personnel has taken place over the years: violinist Catherine Weiss replaced Wallfisch.

The group had immediate success following its triumphant 1984 debut concert, and within three years turned out six recordings for the Hyperion label, each devoted to a different Baroque composer: Vivaldi, Corelli, Alessandro Scarlatti, C.P.E. Bach, Geminiani, and Marais. In 1987 the ensemble began recording for Chandos Records and has produced more than 40 CD titles for that British label.

By the early '90s, the Purcell Quartet was in great demand, both at home and abroad. Numerous concert tours took the quartet not only throughout the U.K., but across Europe, the U.S., South America, and parts of the Middle East. In 1998 the group traveled to Japan to stage performances of Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea. Three years later it returned for another important tour, this one featuring a highly successful staging of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo starring Mark Padmore. Other leading vocalists have typically appeared at the Purcell Quartet's opera and concert productions over the years, including Emma Kirkby, Nancy Argenta, Michael Chance, and Peter Harvey.

This album contains no booklet.