Eric Speller - German Baroque Sonatas

After CDs devoted to Robert Schumann, Benjamin Britten and Antal Dorati, I then became interested in 19th century chamber music and presented works by Clara Schumann, Gustav Schreck, Adolphe Deslandres and Thomas Walmisley.Given that the 19th century oboe repertoire is relatively limited, I have always sought out little-known works by forgotten composers of that time which I then transcribed and adapted for the oboe.

This new recording is devoted to German baroque music of the 18th century: it gave me the chance not only to discover wonderful pieces by almost unknown composers but also to include major works of the oboe repertoire, including sonatas by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann David Heinichen and Johann Friedrich Fasch.

For variety of timbre, I decided not only to include works for violin but also to alternate bassoon and cello for the continuo, depending on the work concerned. Our recording was made in the Amuz church in the historical heart ofAntwerp; it was an intense moment of pleasure and exchange for the entire ensemble that I hope will be felt by our listeners as well. - Eric Speller