Rachel Podger & Brecon Baroque - Grandissima Gravita (2017) [DSD]

A leader in the field of early music, violinist Rachel Podger has established a fine reputation for her historically informed performances, particularly of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, Antonio Vivaldi, and other Baroque and Classical composers. Her 2017 audiophile release on Channel Classics presents violin sonatas by Vivaldi, Giuseppe Tartini, Francesco Maria Veracini, and Johann Georg Pisendel, and Podger is joined by her period instruments ensemble Brecon Baroque, comprised of cellist Alison McGillivray, lutenist and guitarist Daniele Caminiti, and harpsichordist Marcin Swiatkiewicz. The title of this hybrid SACD, Grandissima Gravita, reflects the weight and seriousness of much of the music, and though an imaginary conversation between the composers is provided in the liner notes to explain something of the development of the Baroque violin sonata after Arcangelo Corelli, the elegant performances tell more of musical connections between these figures. Podger's expressive phrasing and eloquent embellishment are naturally at the center of the music, and the sweetness of her tone gives ample testimony of her passion for these sonatas. The detailed sound of the multichannel recordings is fascinating, and the violin is perfectly balanced with the continuo, which is remarkably full-sounding and colorful. This album is highly recommended for Podger's legions of fans and anyone who loves Baroque music, brilliantly played. -- Blair Sanderson