CD Reveiws

The Strad's experts evaluate the latest string recordings

Dragonetti

Description: Accurate, muscular and impressively controlled playing by John Feeney, principal bassist of the Orchestra of St Luke’s

Musicians: Dragonetti’s New Academy: John Feeney (double bass) Loma Mar Quartet

Composer: Dragonetti

Piece: Quartet no.1, Quintets nos.13, 18 & 31

Published Code: Dragonetti’s New Academy DNA 2009

Domenico Dragonetti is best known for the reputation he made for himself as a double bassist in London. His music, here represented by string chamber works with bass, is charismatic and quirky – such as the ‘Alpine calls’ in the 18th Quintet. There is much virtuosity on display, both compositionally (testifying to Dragonetti’s legendary abilities) and in the accurate, muscular and impressively controlled playing of John Feeney, principal bassist of the Orchestra of St Luke’s.Ultimately, this is an important disc of historically interesting material, is well produced and I can recommend it with  enthusiasm.

Reviewed David Milsom in the October 2010 issue of The Strad