Rossini must have possessed formidable talent and to have been able to produce music easily for he left his autographed manuscript at the property. Years later he confessed that he presumed that the compositions had been used as wrapping paper for salami! However, they were soon in circulation in various versions and have always proved popular.

There is an infectious feeling of joie de vivre about them all and it is difficult not to smile while listening to them. These lively and happy sounding compositions were the "light music" of their time but there’s no mistaking the highly inventive and creative mind that penned them. They are delightful works played here by a group of players that clearly enjoys them.

The two-disc set also includes Rossini’s Prelude, theme and variations for horn and piano written 53 years after the sonatas but possessing the same sunny mood. Rossini’s father was a horn player and he wrote for the instrument throughout his career. This piece shows the full potential of the horn. There are one or two slight "fluffs" in this performance but they didn’t spoil it for me and I was pleased to have heard it for the first time.

Rounding the set off is the Larghetto, theme and variations for violin and piano by Donizetti, a delightful work in which the two instruments share the music as equals. They complete a set of compositions full of sparkle and a feeling of life-enhancing well-being.

-- Steve Arloff, MusicWeb International