In Bernhard Joachim Hagen [1720–1787] we find a worthy exponent of the lute in its last days. His music is full of surprises. At times moving, spirited, brilliant or humorous, it is always elegant and expertly crafted. Although the occasional lute piece is still found into the beginning of the 19th century, Hagen's works are the last substantial contributions to the lute repertoire. He can truly be called the last great lute virtuoso.
Robert Barto (from the album notes)
Although Hagen was employed at the Bayreuth court as a violinist, he was a virtuoso lute performer and his respectable output of compositions for the instrument includes those on this recording plus a number of chamber works and concertos. When I heard the opening of the first piece, the Sonata in B-flat major, I knew I'd heard it before somewhere. I still don't know where, but Hagen's music has that effect: it's so easy to listen to, so perfectly proportioned and harmonically well-developed, that it sounds familiar--the musical equivalent of a pair of shoes that fit the first time you try them on. The Locatelli Variations are Hagen's own transcription of some selections from a piece for violin written by the Italian master, with an additional original variation by Hagen. Lutenist Robert Barto really captures the style of this ardent, graceful, often eloquent music. His technique, his richly resonant instrument, and the fine sound engineering bring clarity to the melodic lines and a glowing warmth to the lower registers, while allowing the top notes to ring.
David Vernier, ClassicsToday
Barto plays an Andrew Rutherford lute (1988, after Jauck)
Symphonia SY98164 (1999) out of print
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