La Sonate Égarée | Outhere Music

About Booklet

BarrocoTout makes its recording debut following a prize-winning performance at the highly respected biennial York Early Music International Young Artists Competition. After a hard-fought competition Philip Hobbs, Chairman of the Judges and Linn’s Chief Producer, said: “The level of musical performance has been exceptional… BarrocoTout are an extraordinary ensemble.” Formed at the Royal Conservatoires in Brussels, the ensemble has chosen to champion the music of a hitherto neglected Belgian composer: Henri-Jacques de Croes. Treading a path between French, Italian and German influences, de Croes produced music that was courtly yet with enlightenment aspirations. The trio sonatas of Op. 5 were written with a touch of Rococo in mind and a strong Italianate flavour. With only one copy in existence the Six Sonates have hitherto led only a shadowy existence and were regarded as ‘lost’ for many years. With this recording BarrocoTout aims to quash the myth that ‘unknown is unloved’.

"This is so delicious that it’s tempting simply to suggest that you go and buy it. But of course I’ll elaborate.[...]A debut disc – the result of success at the York Early Music Competition – from a young Baroque ensemble possessed of all the flair, creative rapport and passion required to make the music of this era such a thrilling listen."

Gramophone

"I must say that I’m glad that this fast-developing group has brought them to our attention in performances that happily embrace both the graceful galant and the grittier contrapuntal aspects of the music."

Early Music Review

"It's a pleasure to hear this talented and thoughtful group - as it is to encounter the music of the versatile de Croes."

BBC Music Magazine

"These performances are charming. The musicality is liquidly robust, faithful to de Croes’ effortless invention, its masterful contrapuntal invention and shapely lyricism, delightful to the ear at every turn."

The Scotsman

"This is so delicious that it’s tempting simply to suggest that you go and buy it. A debut disc from a young Baroque ensemble possessed of all the flair, creative rapport and passion required to make the music of this era such a thrilling listen."

Gramophone

"These trio sonatas are fine specimens of the galant style, with bubbly flute melodies and fetchingly melancholy turns to the minor key...Highly recommended."

All Music, 8 November 2019

"I encourage anyone who likes to hear something unfamiliar to investigate this disc. I am sure you will return to it regularly. And keep an eye on this fine ensemble."

MusicWeb International, Autumn 2019