Skillfully contrived for 5 equal instruments, Boismortier's Op. 15 is a rare example of baroque consort music without continuo. A delightful 3 movement concerto in the Italian style - all the parts are rewarding to play, though 4 and 5 are rather easier than the others. Originally in G for 5 flutes, in keeping with the composer's invitation to make use of other instruments, the concerto is here arranged by Vince Kelly in Bb for bassoons or other bass instruments.
Conscious that baroque music without BC was the exception rather than the rule, the composer also supplied a fully figured bass part, which has been realized here for keyboard. Following a suggestion by Marin Marais, the keyboard part is kept in a low register throughout and produces a wonderfully rich effect with the ensemble of bassoons or low strings. Instrument 5 is the bass line, hence performance is possible with 4 or 5 instruments + keyboard.