The pieces on this recording are called sonata, capriccio, or fantasia, or they may have the name of a bass pattern or dance; they experiment...

The pieces on this recording are called sonata, capriccio, or fantasia, or they may have the name of a bass pattern or dance; they experiment imaginatively with the dances, the improvisatory forms, the larger multi-sectional forms out of which grew the instrumental genres of the mature Baroque. The instrumental sounds are distinctive and a lot of fun even for those with little familiarity with music of this period; sample Bartolomeo di Selma's Fantasia per fagotto, track 10, for a taste of the dulcian and it's buzzy sound. The dances of Maurizio Cazzati (1620-1677) are an appealingly diverse lot, with the mysterious Ballo del Ombre (Dance of the Shadows, track 18) and subsequently hearty Ballo de Contadini (Farmers' Dance) forming an especially sharp contrast that will snare the ear of anyone who has sat through too many dull brass quintet recitals. The musicians of this circle are bringing an obscure repertory to life, with a relaxed, in-control attitude replacing a false grandeur. Listen and enjoy.