Search - Giuseppe Tartini, Chiara Banchini, Ensemble 415 :: Tartini: Concerti /Ensemble 415 * Banchini

Not a must-have but very good nonetheless

Jonathan J. Casey | the twin cities | 04/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While I am a big fan of Chiara Banchini (why isn't Carnegie Hall full of stomping fans for this woman?) the main reason I bought this disc was to hear the cello concerto. It is literally the centerpiece of this album, and is most enjoyable. The initial theme (in the Largo section) is reminiscent of Schubert's "Die Forelle", and the Grave is very beautiful. The dark texture of the Grave is enhanced by the soloist's almost romantic approach, and the use of organ for continuo brings out the sturm und drang feel of this movement. This is the first time I've heard Roel Dieltiens step out as a soloist and he does a marvelous job of it. The solo parts have a level of detail that is Baroque in nature, while the tuttis are looking ahead to the Classical style. The four movement layout though, and the overall picture reveals that the concerto is very much a product of the Galant- that little understood (and not always easy to listen to) period. Galant music tends to lack the rhythmic vibrancy of the Baroque, while its melodies and modulations are neither as elegant or well-developed as the Classical style. Meanwhile the concerti grossi are very much steeped in the Baroque tradition. There are intermittent viola solos and here, as in the A minor violin concerto, a harpsichord carries the continuo role. While the back cover has several errors and Enrico Gatti's liner notes are not always clear (they speak of Tartini in general rather than the works at hand), we are told that the concerti grossi are transcriptions of Tartini's sonatas by his pupil Meneghini. They are not spectacular but function well as bookends.The Presto of the violin concerto stands out in particular, though I have to say overall this disc is more suited to people with esoteric interests than someone with a passing curiosity. Ensemble 415 (here augmented with horns) is an excellent group but they are not as flashy as some of their European counterparts and the tempos are occasionally a bit sluggish. The recording, made in 1994, is a bit reverberant for me, though it is satisfying to hear the music linger for a moment at the end of each piece. Banchini is a marvelous performer as always, but I would recommend her recordings of Corelli, Boccherini, and Mozart before this one. It is a great CD, but as Gatti states in the liner notes, Tartini's style is not an easy one to adjust to, and I have to say that I don't listen to this that often. Still, if your interests take you here, by all means indulge."

Highly recommended

J. Gabrielson | Walnut Creek, Ca USA | 10/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A fine introduction to Tartini's work with superb performances. This disc has inspired me to delve deeper into Tartini's work. I recommend the Arte de'll Arco series on Dynamic for lovers of Tartini."