Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6

Arcangelo Corelli (Composer), Trevor Pinnock (Conductor, Performer), English Consort (Performer), English Concert (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Trevor Pinnock, English Consort
• Orchestra: English Concert
• Conductor: Trevor Pinnock
• Composer: Arcangelo Corelli
• Audio CD (September 14, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Archiv Produktion
• ASIN: B00001IVOM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,990 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #4 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Concertos > Concerto Grossi
  • #33 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Baroque (c.1600-1750) > General
  • #33 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Baroque (c.1600-1750) > General AAS

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Corelli's famous Concerti by my favorite period instrument orchestra and conductor, November 11, 2005

By 

Alan Majeska "Alan Majeska" (Bad Axe, MI, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 (Audio CD)

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.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely performances, April 22, 2002

By 

Feller who likes Old Yeller "bottomline5" (Webster, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 (Audio CD)

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.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sparkling Corelli on the rocks served by the EC, April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 (Audio CD)

This was my first exposure to the famed Concerti Grossi of Corelli, though not to Pinnock and his English Concert. The ensemble makes an excellent case for the concerti and makes their high popularity understandable (especially in England, where a full quarter century after their composer's death they were to leave such an impact on 12 Concerti by another bloke named Handel). Many of the tempos are quick but never frantic; the 10th Concerto in C is a particular delight. The interplay between the concertino and the tutti strings is absolutely perfect. Highly recommended.