Composer Christoph Graupner (1683-1760) is another one of those unfortunate victims of fate and circumstance--a contemporary of Bach, Handel, Telemann, etc., who has remained largely--and unfairly--neglected. However, with a new series of recordings, Analekta is attempting to bring this deserving composer to our attention. A previous release of harpsichord works (type Q6102 in Search Reviews) received Classicstoday.com's highest rating--and indeed, this new program of solo vocal and chamber instrumental pieces upholds the qualitative standard of that effort while revealing Graupner's considerable facility for writing in other genres.

Ingrid Schmithüsen's light, bright, well-focused, Emma Kirkby-ish soprano brings a vital and spirited presence to the cantata Ach Gott und Herr, and offers bold characterization to the selections from Graupner's opera Dido, Queen of Carthage. Throughout this program, we can't help but be aware of stylistic influences: the bassoon concerto's final movement is a sparkling, lighthearted Handelian allegro; but the next track--the Largo opening of the harpsichord/violin sonata--recalls one of Bach's more introspective expressions.

The Sonata a quattro, a charming piece for a quartet of strings, is structured in four movements whose catchy tunes and danceable rhythms strike very pleasingly on the ear. And the final piece, a concerto for recorder and strings, is a finely crafted, instantly appealing gem. Its only drawback--and it's a significant one--is the ever-so-slightly-flat recorder, especially bothersome in the slow second movement. Nevertheless, the sound engineering is excellent and the performances are uniformly outstanding. And for those of us who are unfamiliar with Graupner's place in music history, the liner notes are extremely well organized and informative.

--David Vernier