SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews
PIETRO ANTONIO LOCATELLI: Six Introduttioni Teatrali Op. IV; Concerto in A Major - Chamber Orchestra of the Brescia Festival at Bergamo/Agostino Orizio, director - Fone SACD
More sprightly concerti grossi in the style of Corelli's; lovely string tone
Published on June 09, 2005
|
PIETRO ANTONIO LOCATELLI: Six Introduttioni Teatrali Op. IV;
Concerto in A Major - Chamber Orchestra of the Brescia Festival at
Bergamo/Agostino Orizio, director - Fone Multichannel SACD 004, 51:26
****:
The orchestra was formed originally to support the soloists who perform at the annual “Michelangeli” Fesitval di Brescia, but they also perform worldwide, specializing in music of the 18th century. Locatelli was born in Bergamo, Italy, so the connection here is a strong one. The composer - like many others of the period - was also a performer and reknowned for his virtuosity on the violin. He was said to be the only violinist who could successfully play some of his compositions - many of which reflected virtuoso tendencies. Locatelli composed many concerto grossi, and these six three-movement (fast-slow-fast) works titled “Introductions” are in that style. The “Theatrics” of their title indicates the composer’s strong attraction to opera, and the works are thought to have been originally intended to serve as overtures to operas by other composers.
The concerti grossi of Corelli may come to mind hearing some of these works - which are recorded in their entirety for the first time on this disc, although Locatelli had his own style that casual listening will soon distinguish from the better-known composer. We reviewed a Turtle Records SACD a year ago (Part 3 of Hi-Res in JUN04 issue) which featured violinist Sandrine Cantoreggi in an entirely different program of Locatelli concerti grossi. Both are equally lovely, with sweet and non-annoying string tone throughout. The Fone disc shows a 1994 recording date, and was recorded on a four-channel digital Nagra open reel deck.
- John Sunier
The orchestra was formed originally to support the soloists who perform at the annual “Michelangeli” Fesitval di Brescia, but they also perform worldwide, specializing in music of the 18th century. Locatelli was born in Bergamo, Italy, so the connection here is a strong one. The composer - like many others of the period - was also a performer and reknowned for his virtuosity on the violin. He was said to be the only violinist who could successfully play some of his compositions - many of which reflected virtuoso tendencies. Locatelli composed many concerto grossi, and these six three-movement (fast-slow-fast) works titled “Introductions” are in that style. The “Theatrics” of their title indicates the composer’s strong attraction to opera, and the works are thought to have been originally intended to serve as overtures to operas by other composers.
The concerti grossi of Corelli may come to mind hearing some of these works - which are recorded in their entirety for the first time on this disc, although Locatelli had his own style that casual listening will soon distinguish from the better-known composer. We reviewed a Turtle Records SACD a year ago (Part 3 of Hi-Res in JUN04 issue) which featured violinist Sandrine Cantoreggi in an entirely different program of Locatelli concerti grossi. Both are equally lovely, with sweet and non-annoying string tone throughout. The Fone disc shows a 1994 recording date, and was recorded on a four-channel digital Nagra open reel deck.
- John Sunier
on this article to AUDIOPHILE AUDITION!
Email this page to a friend.
View a printer-friendly version.
