These dozen sonatas fully constitute one-sixth of Corelli's published output and strongly influenced the form of the violin sonata in the early decades of the eighteenth century. The collection is in many ways a condensation of Corelli's four earlier volumes of trio sonatas; here are solo sonatas (front-and-center violin, accompanied by a continuo section of at least a keyboard and usually cello or gamba, sometimes with the addition of theorbo or some other member of the lute family), with the works divided between six church sonatas (sonate da chiesa, the format of Corelli's Opp. 1 and 3 trio sonatas) and five chamber sonatas (sonate da camera, in the manner of Opp. 2 and 4).
To those of you who are chary of "historically informed" interpretations, you needn't be in this case. Though presumably Bylsma's approach is scholarly and "correct", there is nothing objective about his interpretation. It is sinewy, chocolately, dramatic, as winning and hearfelt an interpretation as any of the great performances on the modern cello by Cassals, Fournier, Rostropovich et al. Bylsma uses an actual period cello, not a reproduction, but manages to bring it alive and to coax out of it the sweetest sounds. Bylsma's tempi are faster than those familiar with modern interpretations might be prepared for, but his musicianship is so keen that the most precise phrasing remains intact and Bach's music never ends up sounding forced or rushed.
Sony Classical celebrates the 80th birthday of distinguished Dutch cellist Anner Bylsma with a special survey of his finest recordings, many originally issued on Sony s legendary period-music label Vivarte, and now re-released as four individually boxed sets. Born in The Hague in 1934, Bylsma won First Prize in the 1959 Pablo Casals Competition in Mexico and served as Principal Cellist in Amsterdam s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from 1962 to 1968, before becoming better known as one of the leading pioneers in the period-instrument revival of the Sixties and Seventies.
Those who collected CDs in the early years may remember Sony Classical's outstanding "Vivarte" series, which generally provided music using original instruments. Anner Bylsma one of the finest cellists of his time. Anner Bylsma celebrated his 70th birthday when this set was originallyl issued on 2004. It really mattered not what repertoire this cellist chose to play because his art is so all-embracing. He is gifted with a beautiful cello sound, formidable technique and wonderfully convincing interpretive ideas.
VIVARTE is the legendary Sony Classical period music label known for producing outstanding recordings on period instruments. The recordings by legendary producer Wolf Erichson are made with the best recording technologies available and by one of the best production teams in the world (Tritonus Music Production, Stuttgart). The collection contains a perfect overview of VIVARTE's legendary catalogue ranging from Vivaldi to Brahms including recordings with specialists in historically informed performance practice such as Anner Bylsma, Gustav Leonhardt, Tafelmusik, Huelgas Ensemble, L'Archibudelli among others. Many of the recordings received critical acclaim all over the world and won prestigious awards. This box set includes CDs presented in paper sleeves with the original artwork, a 250 page booklet with track listings and the original liner notes for each recording.
It may be hard for some to imagine that a performer whose mastery of baroque performance has established him as one of the most respected "authentic" interpreters could play Romantic music just as masterfully. But this recording, in which Anner Bylsma is joined by the incomparable Lambert Orkis, truly has everything a listener could desire, from transcendentally relaxed moments to intense vitality, from an affable, quirky sense of humour to masculine seriousness and aching sentiments.
SEON (Studio Erichson) is a period music label by the legendary producer Wolf Erichson. Erichson founded the label in 1969 as one of the first labels dedicated only to authentic music. The recordings were made with the best available recording techniques of the time and still deliver a high quality product in line with today's standards. This special boxset offers all SEON CD reissues from the late 90s on 85 CDs in a limited edition boxset.
SEON (Studio Erichson) is a period music label by the legendary producer Wolf Erichson. Erichson founded the label in 1969 as one of the first labels dedicated only to authentic music. The recordings were made with the best available recording techniques of the time and still deliver a high quality product in line with today's standards. This special boxset offers all SEON CD reissues from the late 90s on 85 CDs in a limited edition boxset.
SEON (Studio Erichson) is a period music label by the legendary producer Wolf Erichson. Erichson founded the label in 1969 as one of the first labels dedicated only to authentic music. The recordings were made with the best available recording techniques of the time and still deliver a high quality product in line with today's standards. This special boxset offers all SEON CD reissues from the late 90s on 85 CDs in a limited edition boxset.