Most listeners will not have heard of Sebastian Bodinus (ca. 1700-1759) before. An itinerant German composer who died in an insane asylum, Bodinus is barely a name in the history books with few contemporary recordings. And yet, as this disc by the
Musicians of the Old Post Road prove, Bodinus was a minor master of Baroque chamber music, turning out works of rare charm and delight. With three quartets by Bodinus coupled on this disc with three quartets of Telemann, it is difficult if not impossible to tell which is the finer composer. While in these works Telemann clearly posses a sophisticated technique beyond the abilities of Bodinus, Bodinus just as clearly has a melodic gift beyond Telemann's abilities. But whichever composers' music is playing, the English
Musicians of the Old Post Road bring to it all the wit, warmth, and vivacity to make the music as appealing as possible. Meridian's sound is light and clear, but a bit lacking in depth and reverberation.