Side 1
Rossini: String Sonata No. 1 in G major
1 I Moderato (5:08)
2 II Andantino (4:12)
3 III Allegro (2:43)
Rossini: String Sonata No. 6 in D major
4 I Allegro spiritoso (7:38)
5 II Andante assai (2:23)
6 III Tempesta: Allegro (5:13)
Side 2
Rossini: String Sonata No. 3 in C major
1 I Allegro (6:03)
2 II Andante (4:08)
3 III Moderato (3:12)
Rossini: String Sonata No. 5 in E-flat major
4 I Allegro vivace (7:43)
5 II Andantino (3:13)
6 III Allegretto (3:43)
Side 3
Rossini: String Sonata No. 2 in a minor
1 I Allegro (6:48)
2 II Andantino (2:39)
3 III Allegro (2:12)
Rossini: String Sonata No. 4 in B-flat major
4 I Allegro vivace (7:10)
5 II Andantino (2:53)
6 III Allegretto (2:43)
Side 4
Donizetti: String Quartet No. 4 in D (arr. for String Orchestra)
1 I Allegro (6:51)
2 II Larghetto (3:48)
3 III Presto (2:12)
4 IV Allegro (4:33)
Beeping Classics BLP 048 (2LP)
(This Recording)… has long been a demonstration records of superb string quality in music which is wonderfully entertaining and witty. Unbelievable, the sonatas were written when Rossini was only twelve, yet their invention is consistently on the highest level, bubbling over with humour and infectious spontaneity. The playing of the St. Martin’s group under Marriner is marvelously fresh and polished, the youthful high spirits of the writing presented with glowing affection and sparkle.
This delightful prentice work of Donizetti has a sunny lyricism and a melodic freshness that speaks of youthful genius. The composer’s craftsmanship is obvious and the writing is such that (like Verdi’s String Quartet) it lends itself readily to performance by a string orchestra, especially when the playing is as warm-hearted and polished as on this immaculately recorded disc. Most enjoyable.
Penguin Stereo Record Guide
Not available in North America, U.S., U.K. and Japan.