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
