Marius Bartoccini - Schaffrath: XII Soli per il Cembalo - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The new focus on Bohemian classicism in the second half of the 18th century, manifested in recent recordings and articles in professional journals, has amply demonstrated the calibre of these composers and the quality of their music. Among them, Josef Myslivecek enjoyed considerable fame during his lifetime. The Six Divertimenti are single-movement compositions, and while probably intended as didactic, they are not sterile exercises for amateurs but exquisite pieces that satisfy the most discerning palates. The Six Sonatas are short but brilliant pieces, based on the galant style transmuted into a pre-classicism very akin to the Mannheim school, with energetic first movements with a symphonic flavour alternating with elegant and delicate minuets. His two his Wind Octets Op.1 in a contemporary solo keyboard transcription by Václav Vincenc Mašek. Myslivecek's writing features remarkable counterpoint, compressed by Mašek into an exemplary arrangement.

The son of a mill owner, Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781) was born in Prague. After a brief period as a student of literature and philosophy, he started to study organ with Joseph Seger and composition with the renowned Frantisek Vaclav Habermann. After his success with his first symphonies he decided to go to Venice to study voice and composition with Giovanni Battista Pescetti, not only to perfect himself as a musician but probably also to integrate himself into the great operatic tradition of one of the most productive and lively cities of the time. Myslivecek's first opera 'Medea' was a huge success and soon he became the first internationally renowned Bohemian opera composer. During a stay with Padre Martini, he met Mozart in Bologna, who was greatly fascinated by the Bohemian's musical qualities.This 2-CD set presents the works for keyboard and piano two sets of six sonatas and a Divertimento. The title specifies Inchfor harpsichord or pianoforte, with a violin part ad libitumInch, which means the violin part is optional, the main part being played by the keyboard. The music remains firmly anchored in it's period, exploring all the musical potential that classicism has to offer strong structures, refinement and charm, as well as elegant and cantabile melodies.Played on a copy of a Walter fortepiano from 1792 by Marius Bartoccini and violinist Rossella Croce. Bartoccini successfully recorded the complete keyboard music by Myslivecek for Brilliant Classics.

Alternately known as The Bobbettes and the Soul Angels, Sophisticated Ladies is a female vocal R&B quartet made up of singers Emma Ruth Pought, Jannie Pought, Laura Webb and Reather Dixon. Presented here is their classic 1977 disco 12” single, “Check It Out” (Parts 1 and 2), written by the great Bobby Womack. Newly remastered.