The Baroque recorder sonatas on this CD bear the title 'Il pastor fido', a hugely popular play by Giovanni Guarini, which inspired many composers with its sensuous, pastoral and 'romantic' atmosphere.

The sonatas were attributed to Antonio Vivaldi (because of the commercial power of his fame) until in 1990 proof was found that they had been written by the French composer Nicolas Chédeville, who borrowed material from Vivaldi and other composers, and developed it in the same idiom.

These are excellent performances by the ensemble Pro Musica, elite players from the Italian Early Music scene.

Extensive liner notes on the history of this exquisite and charming music are contained in the booklet, in English and Italian.