Pez: Overtures - Concerti /Les Muffatti · van Heyghen

The music of Munich-born Johann Christoph Pez (1664-1716) is well worth a hearing. One of many composers of the German baroque who were well regarded in their time but have fallen into obscurity since then, his instrumental music is of high quality as shown by the pieces offered on the present disc. The period-instrument ensemble Les Muffatti are an extremely able and stylish baroque band of around twenty players, and their alert and pointed playing under the excellent direction of Peter Van Heyghen offers persuasive advocacy of this little-known composer.The music recorded here consists of two French overture-style suites and four concerti more-or-less in concerto grosso format. The opening Ouverture in B flat (tracks 1-8) is a vigorous and attractively scored work showing Italian, German and French influences but especially characteristic of the late-baroque German 'Lullistes', with ample use of oboes effectively colouring the textures. This is followed by a 'Concert Sonata' (9-13), a graceful and atmospheric work with rich colouring from bassoon and other instruments. The Adagio sections and Fuga are especially fine and altogether this is a beautifully balanced and varied work. The following Concerto Grosso includes a lively Chaconne (20) with nicely varied scoring.Not all of the works and movements here are of equal interest, but the performances are persuasive and there is plenty of lively solo and duo violin work to enjoy throughout the disc. The concluding Concert Pastoral (35-37) is also most enjoyable. Booklet notes are extremely interesting – among the best I've seen recently. Altogether, while Pez is clearly not a top-ranking baroque composer, the quality of the best works mentioned above, together with fine musicianship and outstanding direction, make this an interesting and worthwhile proposition for baroque enthusiasts.

Johann Christoph Pez: Ouvertures-Concerti. Undoubtely one of the best compact discs I ever bought. The entertainment-music of this largely unknown composer of the barock times deserves much more attention. It is fine, exquisite, elegant, flowing, a pleasure for the ears. But there is more: the orchestra (Les Muffatti) is outstanding. It is perfect but what pleases me most is the sweet and warm sound of the instruments. Don't think I am so laudative because it is a Belgian, even Flemish ensemble and I'm influenced by a certain "chauvinism" or as the English speakers say "jingoism". The truth may be said.

Diese CD ist außergewöhnlich gut - die Musik, die Spielweise des Ensembles als auch die ausgewogene Aufnahmequalität.Absolut zu empfehlen!

This superb recording offers German Baroque repertoire that few of us know. In my opinion, this sample of J. C. Pez's work has high merit and is worth many listenings. I highly recommend this recording.

Eine prima CD von einem nicht allzu bekannten Komponisten, die sich in jedem Fall lohnt!! Ich habe sie schon vielfach verschenkt und gute Rückmeldungen bekommen.