Weiss—a contemporary of JS Bach—was the greatest lutenist of his age, whose music is largely in the mixed Italian/French style of the time. The Sonatas are prodigiously attractive works of great emotional power. No 39 is majestic, revealing Weiss’s mastery of lyrical invention, whilst No 96 is lighter—an elegant work probably conceived for teaching purposes. No 30 illustrates precisely those qualities of agility, grace and expressive depth that lend his music so great an appeal. Robert Barto’s series has generated universal admiration, MusicWeb International praising ‘marvellously vivid performances, and beautifully recorded into the bargain’. (Vol 10: 8.572219)