Giovanni Legrenzi is another of the many composers who were highly esteemed during their lifetimes but are all but forgotten today. Admittedly, many deserve their obscurity, and while it's difficult to determine Legrenzi's legacy based strictly on these often fascinating Trio Sonatas (he was revered mostly for his numerous operas and oratorios), their evident refinement and consistently high level of invention and versatility distinguish him as one whose neglect is undeserved. In form, for example, Legrenzi eschews the usual tempo and dynamic markings and instead names each sonata after important individuals or clans who were (or who Legrenzi hoped would become) supportive of his talents. The implications of Legrenzi's capricious motives aside, the quality and variety of these inspired dedications suggest that he's taken into consideration each subject's personal, if not unique, character.


In La Cornara for instance, Legrenzi's clever use of descending scales running against the thematic grain are followed by a brief reprieve; when they're subtly reintroduced during the sonata's conclusion, it creates a tellingly introspective portrait. After the nearly 30-second solo theorbo introduction of La Spilimberga, two violins join in and weave a remarkably somber yet sublime melody until the rest of the ensemble enters, and the piece unravels into a highly animated, turbulent finale. La Raspana also delights with its Biber-esque opening string figures and fiercely extroverted concluding march. These are only three of the many examples included in a generous program that lovers of 17th-century chamber music are sure to enjoy.

CPO's sound is quite good, with excellent clarity and ensemble presence. Karl Bohmer's notes are informative and feature many entertaining anecdotes that particularly focus on Legrenzi's influence on some of his better known contemporaries (Bach and Vivaldi especially). Listeners with further interest in Legrenzi should seek out Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante's Invenzioni e Stravaganze--a ravishing recording devoted to the composer and his contemporaries (Opus 111). Warmly recommended.
--John Greene, ClassicsToday.com