CHARLES AVISON (1709-1770): 6 Sonatas for Harpsichord, 2 Violins and Cello, Op. 5, 6 Sonatas for Harpsichord, 2 Violins and Cello, Op. 7.

Description: Avison's accompanied sonatas, published in 1756 and 1760, are in a form unique to the English northeast - an amalgam of the Corellian trio sonata and the accompanied keyboard piece à la Rameau. Much of the texture is three-part, with regular fugal movements with the strings always just accompanying; indeed, the keyboard part is written out so as to make it possible to perform these works on the harpsichord alone. 2 CDs. Gary Cooper (harpsichord), Pavlo Beznosiuk, Caroline Baldings (violins), Robin Michael (cello).