Customer Reviews

Corelli: Concerti Grossi Op.6 Nos. 1-6

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the first classical CDs I bought, well before I new the difference between period and modern instruments, etc. Contrary to Stan Vernnoy's review two doors down, I beleive you should like the music for what it is, not the instruments it is played upon. Also, to my ears, Corelli's music sounds much better on the period instruments. The modern instruments sound too sweet and glossy to me. Not to say that period instruments would work for, say a Rachmaninov symphony! It'a all a matter of preference.

I am a relative newcomer to classical music despite piano lessons (K-8) as a child and some minimal exposure as a child and as an adult, and I do not have a strong opinion about the period vs. modern instument controversy. I do however, have a few period instrument recordings (Gardiner, Biondi, Herreweghe) and more than like them. In no instance do I think that any of the instuments in these recordings or the recordings taken as wholes sound bad in any way--nor do the recordings done on these instruments appear to "lack something"--and that inculdes this recording of Corelli's Concerti Grossi, Op. 6, 1-6. Not only that, I think that this particular recording is very well done, and the works themselves are wonderful. This makes this CD (and undoubtedly also the one of Nos. 7-12, which will take me a while longer to purchase) absolutely lovely and well worth the price, especially for people interested in baroque music.

This CD will take you back in time to another era...played on period instruments, it has a light, sweet feel to it. Very even in tempo and dynamics, it's ideal for a quiet dinner or studying.
The period instruments don't have the sonority of their modern counterparts, so if you prefer the rich sound of the instruments that are normally in use today, this recording is not for you.

There's a charming simplicity to these pieces, and they're played with incredible precision by the San Francisco based Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. This 17 person group led by Nicholas McGegan (who plays fortepiano and harpsichord) is superb, and it's also fascinating to hear what this music sounded like in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Recorded in '89, the total time is 59'41, and I love the cover of this CD, as well as that of Volume 2, Op. 6. 7-12, so bold and contemporary looking, they're Cigoli marble inlays from 1559-1613.

Unlike the often turgid concoctions of Telemann or another go-round with Bach or Vivaldi, these delightful works dating from the late-17th/early-18th century make for smoother sonic wallpaper and caress the ears with sweet but substantive melody. Arcangelo Corelli wrote and performed his series of Op. 6 Concerti Grossi over a period of twenty years until the time of his death, but they weren't published until the year following. These recordings by the San Francisco-based period instruments ensemble called the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra date from 1989-90 and are as fetching as any available.

I've never before heard of Corelli but I very much like this disc. I actually bought the "Classical Express" version of this very same recording at .... Very beautiful pieces. I am a fan of the Seiji Ozawa conduction of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and I find this a great companion. The Vivaldi piece is clearly centered around the violin soloist. I suppose find this disc amiable because of the similar sound. (violins and harpsichord) The composition is subdued enough to read or study to yet can easily be enjoyed alone. The pieces are lively enough for isolated listening with a cup of morning coffee. I'm sadly uneducated in music theory so I hope this review's subjectivity still encourges a purchase. A delightful discovery for a 22-year-old.

These under-appreciated pieces are beautifully played and recorded

Bought these 2 Harmonia Mundi CDs (CD1 with Nos.1-6, and CD2 with Nos.7-12) about 12 years ago from local CD shop. Still a favourite, especially for DE-stressing.

Not being formally trained in music, I can't comment on the musicality of the players and conductor. What I can only say is...

Really love the crispy clear playing of the violins and the mildly echoey accoustics. Close your eyes and be transported to another time and space. And when the music ends, be recharged.

Or, maybe fall into a deep sleep...

Either way, it's good to have these in your collection.

Must buy.

Corelli is an underappreciated master. Classical music stations tend to play his "Christmas Concerto" around the holidays and that is about it. These pieces, and especially THIS recording are exquite. How often do you get to hear a Theorbo? This music transcends 300 years of music history. Several of the pieces point directly to 20th and 21st century "new age" music or so called "Dawg Music" by David Grisman and Darol Anger (David Grisman Quintet). A spectacular collection and recorded with incredible presence on this disc.

When I first listened to this set, I was disappointed to discover that I didn't really like the Corelli Concerto Grossos after all. But I gave them one more chance by going out and getting a modern instrument version (Angerer, which I'm not sure is available at the moment). Immediately I realized that the fault was not with the music, but with the ugly sound of the instruments. If you haven't heard "original instruments", you may think they are interchangeable with the violins and cellos we hear every day, and that the difference is audible only to connoisseurs. That is not true! To my ears, the sound of the original instruments used on this recording is just horrible. They sound like bows being drawn across barbed wire. Thin, wiry, devoid of sweetness or depth, they will appeal only to those who enjoy congratulating themselves on how artistic, intellectual and "authentic" they are - and are willing to sacrifice true listening pleasure for the sake of self-congratulation. You may disagree, but make SURE you disagree before buying this set.