Wilbert Hazelzet, Bryan Berryman, Jaap ter Linden, Jacques Ogg - Dornel: Réflexions (2000)

Réflexions is a tasteful and bright collection of Louis-Antoine Dornel's sonatas and suites for traverso, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Well-seasoned traverso player Wilbert Hazelzet leads the others in a detailed exploration of French Baroque styles. The dances are elegant and flowing, with emphasis on accent and ornamentation. Hazelzet is coupled with Brian Berryman on traverso, and the two perform a series of blending and wavering that is delightful for any enthusiast. Harpsichordist Jacques Ogg and viola da gambist Jaap ter Linden mirror the traverso ornamentation, while maintaining an independent sound. The era of Louis XIV required strong and heroic musical statements, while the early years of Louis XV were an era of experimentation and exploration. Dornel's music spans both of these majestic careers. This recording represents the wide span of melodic and ornamental investigation of the period and Dornel's resourcefulness with the small ensemble. --Alexis Odell