Customer Reviews

Charles Avison: Six Concertos, Op. 3; Eight Concertos, Op. 4

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I bought this 2-CD set after my entirely fortuitous "discovery" of the works of Avison, and I'm happy to say that it now ranks among my favorites. As one who enjoys 18th-century classical music (and Bach in particular), I would not hesitate to recommend this Naxos recording to someone looking to augment his or her collection with the works of an excellent but lesser-known composer.

This is an excellent double CD from the Avison Ensemble, who have now established a real reputation as a world-class Baroque ensemble.

Charles Avison was an Englishman (a Geordie, in fact) who lived from 1709 - 1770 and the music is very recognisably Baroque, with a style reminiscent variously of Telemann, Albinoni and occasionally Vivaldi, but distinctively Avison's own. It is not deep and challenging music by any means but it brims over with melody, charm and good humour.

Pavlo Beznosiuk is an excellent and experienced violinist and violist and he brings all his experience and expertise to these recordings, which he directs with a real feel for and enjoyment of the music, never letting it descend into a pleasant but forgettable Baroque wallpaper sound. The playing is top-notch. It is technically excellent and the Avison Ensemble really brings out the distinctiveness and interest in the music.

I think these are immensely enjoyable discs at an extremely reasonable price, and I recommend them very highly.