Search - Arcangelo Corelli, Trevor Pinnock, English Consort :: Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6

Corelli's famous Concerti by my favorite period instrument o

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 11/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Trevor Pinnock's recording of Corelli's Op. 6 Concerti grossi will not be to all tastes. Those raised on traditional instrument recordings by such as Max Goberman/Vienna Sinfonietta (Odyssey LPs, circulated in the 1970s) or Paul Angerer/Southwest German Chamber Orchestra (Vox) may not like the clipped articulation and fast tempos Pinnock uses. But the English Concert is a joy to hear: and can THEY PLAY! The allegros sizzle with joy and tension (in the minor key movements) and I find myself unable to resist conducting myself to the rhythmic patterns they generate. I think Corelli would be pleased, and I doubt he ever heard this good a performance of his Opus 6 Concertos.



Concerto 8, subtitled "Christmas" may be the most famous Op. 6 Concerto. Pinnock's way with it may seem superficial, and tempos are faster than what I'm used to in this work. But I'm used to recordings of I Musici (Philips), Angerer (Vox), and Shepherd/Cantilena (Chandos). The closing "Pastorale" doesn't seem to have enough time to breathe, but Pinnock is more sensitive to the Baroque performance practice principles where Siciliana and Pastorale movements are played more quickly than 20th century conductors led them, adhering to more Romanticized performance practice.



As a set, I give this high marks, and there is alot of energy and joy without slighting Corelli's music. The recorded sound is also very good, and the strings have a full, rich sound, even with no vibrato and period instruments."

Lovely performances

Feller who likes Old Yeller | Webster, NY | 04/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lovely, energetic, committed performances of these works. Consistent high quality playing throughout. Everything is refined and polished to the nth degree. A great example of orchestral playing in the baroque style. Recording quality leaves nothing to be desired - absolutely clear and transparent."

Corelli: Master and Commander of Enchanting Melodies

David M. Garrett | San Antonio, Texas USA | 03/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a world dominated by Gabrelli and Vivaldi, Corelli's 12 Concerti Grossi (Op. 6) are gems. The performance of Pinnock and the English Concert is superb and the Archive recording crystal clear and in high fidelity. To the inexperienced ear the components of each piece flow together, yet the distinguishable melodies create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere -- either for a listener intent on each note, or as atmosphere while going about the day's business or leisure. Guided to this recording by the soundtrack for the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," you will be not long into the first of this two CD set before being rewarded for your purchase. Wonderful."