Sonatas in Three Parts

Editor's Choice: Gramophone Magazine December 2011

"The crushing dissonances produced by Sophie Gent and Matthew Truscott (alternating as first and second violinists) give the adagio and grave movements a sensuous piquancy, while the spirit of the dance sparkles irresistibly in the allegros and canzonas. Matthew Halls, on organ and harpsichord, and Jonathan Manson, on bass viol, supply gravitas and tonal variety. Entrancing." Sunday Times, 2nd October 2011

"[the Retrospect Trio] speak the language of Purcell as naturally as if it was their mother tongue. There isn't a nuance that escapes them...The conversational cut and thrust is always dapper and supremely cogent, the textures elucidated with a springy clarity, and the transitions from section to section are dispatched with instinctive fluency and decisiveness. It's superbly recorded as well." BBC Music Magazine, December 2011 *****

"They engage with these youthful masterpieces with exuberance, lightness and respect for their dazzling genius. They thrill in the fugal Canzonas and move us in the profound Adagios.....Matthew Halls alternates between breathy organ and sparkling harpsichord, improvising freely and binding a beautifully balanced ensemble. The Retrospect Trio trample on previous views that these works are sub-standard Purcell." Classic FM Magazine, December 2011 *****

"Sophie Gent and Matthew Truscott are so well matched as violin soloists, supported by Jonathan Manson's gorgeous bass viol. Time stands still in several of Purcell's incredibly concentrated slow movements - it's with disbelief that you read the track listing and note that some last barely a minute. Which is not to say that this is a disc of gloomy Baroque navel-gazing - the faster movements really dance in these players' hands." The Arts Desk, 12th November 2011

This second Purcell release by Retrospect Trio has been hotly anticipated since its debut recording, a Finalist at the 2009 Gramophone Awards, was released; BBC Music Magazine described the follow up as "a mouthwatering matter of urgency."

The four Baroque instrumentalist super stars - Sophie Gent (violin), Matthew Truscott (violin), Jonathan Manson (cello and viola da gamba) and Matthew Halls (director, keyboards) - are reunited in 'Henry Purcell: Twelve Sonatas in Three Parts'.

Recorded at St George's, Chesterton, the recording beautifully captures the timeless beauty of Purcell's most highly regarded instrumental works.

Founded by Matthew Halls, Retrospect Ensemble takes its musicians and audiences on an exciting journey, exploring the repertoire of four centuries and embracing the practices, styles and aesthetics of former ages with renewed vigour and a fresh approach.

Retrospect performs regularly at Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall, London, and has appeared at major UK festivals including the Edinburgh International Festival and Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

Matthew Halls has established himself as one of today's leading young conductors. A former Artistic Director of The King's Consort, he has conducted in prominent venues throughout the UK and Europe.