Zelenka: Trio Sonatas

Oboist Heinz Holliger created quite a stir when he first recorded the impossibly difficult trio sonatas of Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) in the early '70s, and this recording for ECM proves he hasn't forgotten the magic of the baroque composer. Zelenka--a lesser-known Dresden court composer--is perhaps best remembered for his numerous vocal works, but his trio sonatas (and his orchestral music, for that matter) is memorable, to say the least. Highly expressive, loaded with demanding passages (the over-the-top but lovely Sonata No. 5 should be heard by all baroque fans), and downright peppy with a dancelike structure, these are great compositions. Holliger and his ensemble are in top form, embracing this innovative but underheard music to its fullest potential. A highly recommended disc. --Jason Verlinde