Corelli: Concerti grossi, op. 6. (Europa Galante)

Although Corelli's career was spent entirely in his native Italy, his reputation spread rapidly throughout Europe owing to the unparalleled popularity of printed collections of his music. This selection of discs contains concertos by Corelli himself and by several musicians who were all influenced by him: Vivaldi, Georg Muffat, Geminiani and Pugnani.

Corelli's most famous publication, his 12 concertos op.6, has been recorded recently by different ensembles of various sizes. The two discs Corelli: Concerti grossi, op.6 (Opus 111, OPS 30-147 and OPS 30-155, rec 1996) by Europa Galante under their director Fabio Biondi opt for a relatively small string group with organ and harpsichord continuo. Although this means that there are no enormous textural contrasts between concertino and ripieno sections, there is certainly no shortage of variety and colour in these performances. Biondi adopts a typically flamboyant approach, something that is immediately apparent in the very first concerto on the first disc, op.6 no.2 in F major. Tempos are often extreme, with very slow Grave movements. There is frequent use of rubato and sudden dynamic contrasts, sometimes with surging crescendos; this undoubtedly heightens the drama already inherent in Corelli's own dynamic markings, though at times the positioning of these extra changes seems somewhat arbitrary. Certain other mannerisms include very aggressive staccato chords, sudden pauses (especially before a final chord but also in other unpredictable places) and the occasional use of pizzicato for a bar or two. All this makes for a high degree of excitement, and I found myself repeatedly reminded of the description of Corelli's own playing in which `it was usual for his countenance to be distorted, his eyes to become as red as fire, and his eyeballs to roll as if in agony'. Nevertheless, I cannot help feeling that the …