CDs recorded by John Hadden -- Hasse Cantatas, Ballads and Sonatas

CRD 3488

Johann Adolf Hasse Cantatas, Ballads and Sonatas Julianne Baird, soprano Nancy Hadden, flute Erin Headley, viola da gamba Malcolm Proud, harpsichord Nominated for Gramophone Award

Gramophone
"Though chiefly celebrated now, as in his own day, as an opera composer, Hasse wrote a significant quantity of sacred pieces and much delightful chamber music for voices and instruments. This new disc offers a well-chosen and stylishly performed selection, almost entirely belonging to the last mentioned category. The cantatas provide the greatest substance here. Julianne Baird is one of the most stylish and thoughtful of our present interpreters of baroque and early classical music; and the conjunction of an agile technique with an alluring vocal timbre gives considerable strength to her performances. I enjoyed the instrumental items, too. Malcolm Proud, who provides first-rate continuo realizations throughout, also gives us a favourable impression of Hasse's solo keyboard skill in a fine Sonata in C minor for harpsichord. The flautist Nancy Hadden gives a lively account of a B minor Sonata, while Erin Headley plays the composer's own alternative version for viola da gamba of an aria from Hasse's last cantata, La conversione di Sant' Agostino. Like Proud, both Hadden and Headley contribute excellent obbligatos and continuo, respectively, elsewhere in the programme. In short, a delightful disc, well considered, well performed and intimately recorded. No disappointments here. I shall be listening to Si, la gondola avere (one of the Venetian ballads) every day until further notice."

BBC Music Magazine
"Johann Adolf Hasse's cantatas were written for his wife, Faustina Bordoni, one of the most famous sopranos of the mid-18th century. Here, Julianne Baird takes Faustina's part, coping with the vocal virtuosity with extraordinary ease and an unfailing sweetness of tone qualities which are perfectly matched by flautist Nancy Hadden. Coupled with the cantatas are four charming ballads in Venetian dialect, and a fine account by Malcolm Proud of one of Hasse's harpsichord sonatas. Excellent recorded sound."

Early Music Review
"If there is one element which distinguishes Hasse's output, it is his unerring ear for a good tune. Throughout this wonderful disc, his melodic gift never deserts him. With four such distinguished performers, it's hardly surprising that crd have chosen it for re-release: Julianne Baird's voice can sometimes have a very slight edge to it, but just listen to the first aria of Quel vago seno if you need convincing of this disc's merits! Nancy Hadden is outstanding in the flute sonata; I enjoyed hearing Erin Headley in a solo melodic role for once; and Malcolm Proud, as both accompanist and soloist knows how to make the most of Hasse."

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