The Brook Street Band’s tenth release for Avie traverses the colourful Sonatas for Violin and Basso Continuo by the ensemble’s passion, the Baroque composer George Frideric Handel.

The Brook Street Band’s passion for the music of George Frideric Handel shines through on this recording of the nine Violin Sonatas by - or attributed to - the Baroque composer. The ensemble’s tenth release for Avie compliments its critically acclaimed and award-winning discography of a wide variety of Handel’s chamber music and vocal works. Combining consummate artistry with characteristic inquisitiveness, The Brook Street Band - posing the question ‘how many violin sonatas did Handel actually compose?’ - offers nine works composed over a span of 40 years, from the German-born Handel’s early years honing his style in Italy to his later years as a leading light in London.

He composed some and his name has been variously ascribed by others, depending on which publisher was cashing in, perhaps in cahoots with the commercially-minded composer. But who really knows, and one could ask who cares, especially with music of such colour performed with such panache.

“vital and vivacious” - The Guardian on Handel Trios Sonatas (AV2357)

“These performances have a powerful stamp of authority ... Handel himself would have found real cause for celebration.” - International Record Review on Handel’s ‘Cello’ Sonatas (AV2118)

“if you need instant sunshine, play this disc.” - The Times (London) on Handel’s Trio Sonatas Op.5 (AV2068)

“stylish and imaginative ... Their pleasure in the music is infectious.” - Gramophone Editor’s Choice on Handel’s ‘Oxford’ Water Music (AV0028)