As well as being internationally recognised as a leading interpreter of music new and old, Peter Sheppard Skærved is the only violinist to have performed on the personal violins of Viotti, Paganini, Joachim, Kreisler and Ole Bull. On this recording he plays a fabulous instrument made by Martin Leopold Widhalm II in 1782 with a bow by François Tourte around 1775. Peters work is celebrated worldwide and he has made many recordings for Athene and, with contemporary music, for its sister Divine Art group label Métier, both as soloist and with the Kreutzer Quartet and the ensemble Longbow. Julian Perkins is one of Britains most accomplished early-music specialists and with his ensembles Sounds Baroque has worked with many top singers and actors. He has also directed the Academy of Ancient Music and has presented concerts and operas around the UK. Here he plays a square piano of 1812 by the Clementi family.