Editorial Reviews

For fans of the solo viol, the re-release of both Sarah Cunningham's '90s discs of selections from that instrument's rich repertoire will be reason to rejoice. Packaged as a Virgin Veritas two-disc set called Play This Passionate are Cunningham's splendidly soulful, amazingly virtuosic, and extremely ardent performances of viol works from the early seventeenth through the late eighteenth century. From her yearning tone in Tobias Hume's melancholy "Love's Farewell" through her expressive intensity in Telemann's operatic Recitatif-Arioso from "Der getreue Music-Meister" to her measured tenderness in Marais' heart-touching Prélude from a Suite drawn from his "First Book of Viol Pieces," Cunningham clearly grasps the emotional intimacy of the repertoire. And with her strong bow arm, her sculpted phrasing, and her right-on intonation, Cunningham likewise manifestly has the skill to master the music's considerable difficulties. While fervent fans of solo viol music may already have recordings of many of these works by the magisterial Jordi Savall, among others, they will surely welcome the addition of this fine pair of recordings into their collections. Focused lovingly on the soloist, Virgin's sound is a tad deficient in ambiance. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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