Round About Monteverdi (2003)

" This collaboration between Beirach, violinist Gregor Huebner and bassist George Mraz not only explores seven Monteverdi themes but a variety of baroque interconnections, including JS Bach, Palestrina, and pieces from Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. For the most part this is a very refined and meticulous series of chamber-music delicacies. The opener, Monteverdi's poignant Lamento d'Arianna is played absolutely straight off the dots; but the first Stabat Mater piece edges into swing halfway in, Beirach's sprightly chordal improvising style gambolling over the majestic Mraz's walking bass, and the excellent violinist Huebner taking off in muscular manner. It is over 20 minutes in before anything approaching the raw or abstract happens, and in general there is a plangent tone to the disc - but the playing itself is beautiful." (John Fordham)