Gaillard plays a cello made by Francesco Goffriller at Udine in 1737, an instrument of which she speaks lovingl; from it she extracts sounds both brilliant and subtle.
The range of instruments drawn on for the basso continuo on this recording might, I suppose, have allowed for inappropriate and distracting colour or for mere gimmickry. But there is none of either to be heard here. The balance and dialogue of soloist and continuo are well-nigh perfect throughout and the changes of instrumentation serve primarily to clarify transitions of mood. The use of plucked instruments such as guitar, guitar battente - the instrument strung with wire - and harp, behind/underneath the cello produces some lovely effects.
I have enjoyed this recording greatly. It has a properly Italianate spirit of measured flamboyance and a consistent vision of the music. It is played with acute intelligence – and plenty of feeling – and is beautifully recorded.