Search - F. Geminiani :: Concerti Grossi Op.4

Geminiani Opus 4--second version

Davis | Washington, D.C. | 11/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Geminiani re-wrote and re-published a number of his works to meet the continuing English demand for the concerto grosso form--this is the later version of his original Opus 4 (which consisted of 12 violin sonatas a 3). For this collection, he chose six of those works (not in any particular order, but based on key signature) to turn into concerti grossi. There are a few spotty but uncomplete recordings of the original settings of the twelve sonatas, but like Albinoni and Locatelli (and unlike Corelli) the complete integral work of this composer has yet to be recorded.

For those who appreciate a more lush Germanic Baroque sound (as oppose to the sometimes too-sparse English renderings of this music), you will appreciate Paul Angerer's work on this disc. More importantly, having the unique recording of this particular publication by the Lucca-born violin virtuoso who took England by storm and wound up spending his last days in Ireland--a much-underrated figure whose complete works are only just being published in a complete performing edition--is invaluable."