Brooks/ Pollock - A Bohemian in London: Violin Sonatas by Gottfried Finger

Gottfried Finger was a Moravian composer and virtuoso viol player. Finger worked for the court of James II before becoming a freelance composer. Hazel Brooks has spent a great deal of time researching the music for this recording, all of which may be found in the British Library manuscript Add. 31466. She writes: �Finger�s sonatas contain a quirky mix of styles. Bohemian features from his homeland, simpler Corellian traits, and the occasional nod to the English Purcellian School are fitted together like crazy paving. This is what gives them their unique charm. Many are made up of contrasting short sections rather than separate movements, sometimes linked by short passages for basso continuo alone, both features characteristic of the Biber School. Finger left a large number of sonatas for violin and basso continuo. We performed them all, immersing ourselves in the style, and this recording presents the finest selection from his output�I hope that this recording will help to change that mind-set, so that Finger finally receives the recognition he deserves.�