Dan Laurin & Paradiso Musicale - J.H. Roman: The 12 Flute Sonatas Nos. 6-12 (2016)

Johan Helmich Roman was one of the leading Swedish composers of the Baroque era, and his music is steadily being recorded, thanks to harpsichordist Anna Paradiso and her period ensemble, Paradiso Musicale, who have led this modest revival on BIS. Paradiso has released hybrid SACDs of Roman's solo keyboard sonatas and the first five of his Flute Sonatas, and here she joins recorder player Dan Laurin, cellist Mats Olofsson, and guitarist Jonas Nordberg in performances of the remaining Flute Sonatas, Nos. 6-12. Roman's style was strongly influenced by George Frederick Handel and Neapolitan vocal music, so dramatic gestures and highly ornamented melodies are typical of his music. Furthermore, the flashy runs and elaborate filigree in these pieces require virtuosic abilities, which Laurin and the basso continuo obviously possess. This hybrid SACD completes Roman's set of 12 Flute Sonatas, but Paradiso and company will likely find other works by this neglected composer to add to his small but growing catalog. -- Blair Sanderson