Recordings

The little-known French Baroque composer Jean-Fery Rebel was known as a prodigious violinist and, as a composer, best remembered--though still only modestly--for his ballets. But a good case can be made for renewed attention to Rebel’s chamber music, persuasively realized on this recording of violin sonatas by early music specialist Manze, with Egarr on harpsichord and gambist Linden. Written in 1713, these sonatas flaunt the central role of the violin, but also actively engage the viola da gamba parts, often weaving in and out of melodic lines with a secondary prominence.

Any temptation to read meaning into the name “Rebel” would be misleading. As heard on this fine recording, he created music bolstered by solid conservative values--music of intimacy, grace and also fire, but not rebellion. The players here show an intuitive understanding of that delicate balance of qualities, which make Rebel a composer deserving wider recognition.