This is the first CD devoted entirely to the music of the early German Baroque organist/composer Paul Peuerl. Early music compilations occasionally have featured one of Peuerl's works now and again (the most recent being Ensemble Doulce Memoire's exceptional Folie Douce for Dorian). Heifetz even recorded Peuerl's Canzona II for RCA, unfortunately no longer available in the Heifetz edition (Vol. 1). If there's any reason for the scarcity of Peuerl's music on recordings, it's more to do with the dearth of existing works than because of a lack of awareness by musicologists and performers. Reference books list only a handful of pieces, some lost, a few apocryphal, none in autograph form. Leave it to the ever-adventurous CPO label to undertake such a project!

Peuerl's compositions sound much like you'd expect of music from this time (early 1600s) and place (Austria). Let's just say that if you've enjoyed the music of some of Peuerl's more well-known contemporaries such as Hassler, Praetorius, Scheidt, and Schein, chances are you will find pleasure here too. Favorite selections include the Suite IX, which begins quiet and slow and ultimately ends with a tempestuous, spirited finale. Suite IV also includes many equally lively moments, featuring rollicking cornet, viola da gamba, and percussion parts anticipating the efforts of Heinichen and Biber. Like Hassler, Peuerl's Canzoni are all cleverly styled after Italian models. The seven Lieder offered here are likewise expertly crafted, owing more to northern European tradition than to southern fashion.

Armonico Tributo and director Lorenz Duftschmid deliver spirited, expert performances that would be difficult to surpass. As usual with CPO, the sonics are as sumptuous as ever, with the performers placed in a naturally dry, believable acoustic setting. CPO's presentation is likewise second to none, the booklet in particular featuring extensive and illuminating notes by Rudolf Flotzinger. Recommended.

--John Greene