Sonata in D minor, ABV 35
Sonata VIII in G major, ABV 19
Sonata in A major, ABV 30
Sonata in C minor, ABV 32
Sonata VII in C major, ABV 18

This is the world premiere recording of these Cello Sonatas by Giuseppe Clemente Dall'Abaco (1710-1805), also known as Joseph Marie Clément Ferdinand dall'Abaco, a Flemish cellist and composer of Italian descent. He obtained his musical training from his father, Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco, with whom he's often been confused. He travelled extensively and worked in Venice, Bonn, London, Vienna ... and wrote music predominantly Baroque in style despite the latter half of his life spanning the early Classical period. His music compares well with that of other Italian composers of the time. Certainly not groundbreaking, but his main melodic ideas were highly refined and inventive. His admiration for the cello in particular is readily apparent in these pieces. He wrote a total of around 40 sonatas for the instrument.

Montreal based cellist Elinor Frey, who displays a proclivity for music by composers on the outer fringes, ranging from obscure Baroque composers like Fiore and Colombi to ultra-modern names like Lefkowitz and Godin, brings out all the grace and elegance inherent to these Sonatas, with a bowing technique that shapes and colors the music with a variety of tonal characteristics. She plays both period and modern instruments on this CD. Mauro Valli (cello), Federica Bianchi (harpsichord) and Giangiacomo Pinardi (archlute), provide fine continuo support with adequately proportioned dynamic contrast. The audio recording itself is close and bright, and perfectly suited for this type of intimate chamber music. If you are a fan of Baroque music, with a preference for the cello, and like to get your hands on unusual or rarely heard music, this is for you.