The Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin kickstarts their Handel trilogy with this recording of the first six concerti grossi op. 6. Originally designed as attractive interludes to English oratorio performances, Handel’s concerti grossi soon gained fame as the most appealing orchestral music of the baroque era. Written in London in 1739, towards the end of his career, Handel paid tribute to the immensely popular concerti grossi of Corelli while simultaneously proving his mastery incorporating all musical styles of his times. Led by their concertmaster Bernhard Forck, the players of the Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin demonstrate why many consider them the best baroque ensemble of today. This first installment will be followed by the last six concerti grossi op. 6, as well as a recording of the concerti grossi op. 3. The ensemble’s first PENTATONE album, Cantata (2018) with countertenor Bejun Mehta, won a Diapason d’or.
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Reviews
Performance ***** Recording *****
"... These players seem effortlessly to reach the heart of the music, evidently aware that great music, requires neither attention-seeking tweaks nor any need to play to the gallery. The A minor Concerto admirably displays the expressive tenderness of the players, while the D major piece illustrates the livelier side of Handel's coin. Concertos Nos 7-12 are sure to follow, and I greatly look forward to them."
Nicholas Anderson - BBC Music magazine - November 2019
Artistic Quality 9 Sound Quality 9
“…The sound, from the Nikodemuskirche, Berlin, is excellent, adding to the confirmed distinction of this well-managed, competently presented project.”
David Vernier – ClassicsToday.com – August 2019
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