The gifted Amandine Beyer performs representative works by Rebel from the Recueil de douze sonates à deux et trios parties avec la basse chiffrée (1712) and the Sonates à violin seul mêlées de plusieurs récits pour la viole (1713).

These pieces, generally in four movements, subtly combine the French and Italian styles, and are admirable both for their varied inspiration and their stylistic audacity. Couperin’s influence is discernable in the 5th Sonata in D (1713), and stands out particularly in Le Tombeau de Monsieur de Lully, a veritable opera in miniature complete with aria parodies, portrayals of the elements, and moments of lyricism.

Beyer is entirely at home in this repertoire. Her expressive, elegant playing lends her violin an inimitably pure sound, giving it a colour that is all her own. L’Assemblée des Honnestes Curieux shines throughout, showing each sonata to advantage and bringing out its dramatic and imaginative aspects, which masterfully call up now Couperin, now Corelli. A marvellous album.
PATRICK FLORENTIN

Sonates pour Violons et Basse Continue
JEAN FERRY REBEL
Amandine Beyer
L’Assemblée des Honnestes Curieux
Zig-Zag Territoires ZZT051102
2005 - 59:49 min.