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Quarterly Review

Back to the 17^th-century and the world of the harpsichord: Volume 2 of the athene/Divine Art label’s astonishing quest to record the seemingly endless output of Johann Jakob Froberger (1616-67) – a sort of J.S. Bach before his time. Froberger held a position as organist at the Viennese Royal court and enjoyed something of an international career – unusual for those times – visiting the great cultural centres of Italy and even making an appearance on our own fair shore.

Gilbert Rowland is the master of the keyboard on the new CD. Certainly, his playing of Froberger’s multitude of Gigues and Sarabandes in no fewer than twelve suites is a testament to a true and dedicated musician, who clearly loves the clever, ingenious and melodious stream of this 17^th-century composer’s engaging and attractive works. The soloist also provides us with the detailed sleeve notes – an illuminating approach, which mirrors the idea of a performer in a concert hall giving us a special introduction to each item.

Whether in “French overture style”, or “foreshadowing Handel” – or reaching the “stately, bright-sounding Allemande” in the collection’s final suite in G major, Froberger’s music – in this splendid rendition by Gilbert Rowland – reveals huge variety and baroque beauty.