This unusual duo has been around for a decade, having given nearly 1.500 concerts of repertory from the late Renaissance to the present, including works especially composed for them. They have released five CDs so far, and in 2006 formed their own label, Our Recordings. This new release celebrates their 20th anniversary performing together, with a new program of their most requested Baroque selections as a gift to their fans around the world. In a way it is a return to their roots as one of the best early music duos, and an interesting alternative to the usual early music duo of harpsichord and recorder.

The Baroque was known for benefiting from a unique pan-European exchange of musical ideas. Some of these composers were very cosmopolitan, and all were influenced by developments in music outside of their particular areas. Some of the Baroque highlights of this program include the famous Vitali Chaconne in g, Bach’s Sonata in F Major BWV 1033—about which much controversy has engaged musicologists as to whether he in fact wrote it or not, Corelli’s 11-minute treatment of the famous early music theme La Folia, and Tartini’s notorious “Devil’s Trill” Sonata in g. Petri makes everything—especially the challenging Vitali Chaconne—sound so effortless. There is never the least concern that you might hear one of the ungainly squawks that can emanate from less-virtuoso recorder players.

Petri is one of the world’s top recorder artists, and Danish musician Hannibal is noted for his many guitar and lute recordings. The note booklet is very detailed, with information and background on each of the selections. The DSD/DXD format recording was made the Our Recordings studios in Denmark, and the sonics of both instruments on the soundstage are outstanding.
John Sunier, December 2011