Hopkinson Smith - Fasch, Haydn, Kohaut, Hagen: Concertos for Lute (1999)

I've been blinded by greatness: the andante of J.F. Fasch's guitar concerto. This is simply one of the most beautfiul pieces of music I've heard in a long time. Fasch (1688-1758) was a contemporary of J.S. Bach and Telemann but also displays signs of the forthcoming classical style. The interplay of the instruments is fascinating and the texture of sound created by this group is so warm and enveloping that I've found myself listening to it over and over again. Chiara Banchini is quite possibly my favorite baroque violinist, and Hopkinson Smith (frequently heard on Jordi Savall's recordings) displays excellent technique and feeling as a soloist. Some day I hope to pay closer attention to the rest of this disc, but I'm still captivated by track 2. (Be warned: the Haydn work included is an anonymous arrangement of his string quartet Op. 1 No. 6).