Baroque Favorites

Baroque Favorites
Jacques Loussier Trio
Telarc
(83516)

Many modern reinterpretations of classical music lack both the beauty of the original compositions and the creativity required to perform them in new ways, thus leaving the listener curiously empty. But this CD is not among them.

Although one may see the rhythms and improvisation that characterize jazz music as dissonant with the structured forms of Baroque music, the variations on a central theme that are so common in the works of Handel and other Baroque composers actually lend themselves well to interpretation within a jazz framework.

Although Handel dominates this collection, also featured is a lovely rendition of Pachelbel's "Canon," sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, and a concerto for oboe composed by Alessandro Marcello.

The music is played by the trio of Jacques Loussier, Benoit Dunoyer de Segonzac, and Andre Arpino on piano, bass, and drums, respectively. But the relative lack of instrumentation adds to the album's intimacy. All of the instruments are easily recognizable without getting mired down in improvisation, as the three musicians remain faithful to the intentions of their Baroque predecessors while leaving plenty of room for individuality.

A refreshing change from traditional recordings, this CD seamlessly melds the elegant structures of the Baroque with the smooth sounds of jazz, and should please aficionados of both genres.

— Richard Mackenzie