François Devienne was one of the few 18th century musicians who was able to step out of Mozart’s and Haydn’s shadows. His numerous instrumental works are not merely a subject of interest for music historians and musicologists. Their lively melodic style, natural musical expression and spirited virtuosity have remained popular even to the present; the works on this recording, Six Sonates pour un basson avec accompagnement de basse op. 24, are ample evidence of this.

The expressive character of these compositions regularly alternates between sections of agitated parlando, dance-like elegance and melodious meditation. Particularly striking is their melodic inventiveness and rhythmic verve, transforming them into witty divertimentos in the best sense of the term. Klaus Thunemann, bassoon, Klaus Stoll, violone, and Jörg Ewald Dähler, fortepiano (Anton Walter, Vienna, ca. 1790) provide a delightful and elegant interpretation.