Eco dell'Anima - Rebel: Dance Suites & Sonatas (2016)

Best remembered for his colorful simphonie nouvelle Les Élémens and the innovative ballet Les caractères de la danse, the French Baroque composer Jean-Féry Rebel was a member of the courts of Louis XIV and Louis XV, for whom he composed much dance and instrumental music. This recording by Eco dell'Anima presents three suites and two sonatas that Rebel published in 1705 and 1713, which are performed here on Baroque violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. While these pieces are rather conventional in instrumentation and style, and are not as daring in harmony and instrumental effects as Rebel's ballets, the music holds subtle charms in its florid melodic lines and the lively dance rhythms that made his music distinctive. Rendered in period style, with crisp details, glossy string tone, and elaborate ornamentation, the performances are appealing for their sparkle and verve, though the acoustics of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, Georgia are a bit too resonant for the lean textures of the music. ~ Blair Sanderson