Barton Pine Corelli

If Michel Corrette was a little over-enthusiastic in crediting Corelli with the invention of both sonata and concerto form as it was known and understood in the mid-eighteenth century, Roger North had only to judge by the enormous popularity of the Italian master's works in England in the 1720s to deduce that they would be immortal… Monica Huggett…brings a sweetness of tone and a perfection of technical control that cannot but inspire admiration on their own count, but in combination with such unerring musical insight as is to be found here makes these into quite masterly interpretations… The continuo members of Trio Sonnerie are unerringly tasteful in their playing, while Nigel North on theorbo and other plucked instruments is quite stunningly imaginative.

Even three centuries after his death, Arcangelo Corelli remains a well-known composer. His students who knew him and could hand his style down first hand, however, have not stood the test of time as well. On this recording, a sonata by the Master is featured. In addition, three compositions have been selected from the excellent violinists who studied under Corelli. Aside from the Corelli sonata, the other works are world premiere recordings. Artists are Szabolcs Illes (baroque violin), Dalibor Pimek (baroque cello), and Ondrej Macek (harpsichord).

Arcangelo Corelli was the most famous Italian composer of the late 17th century. He owed this preeminence to his skill in harnessing the musical tendencies of his time, as is demonstrated by his celebrated Sonatas, which became the models for the chamber sonata (sonata da camera) and church sonata (sonata da chiesa). Yet the composer himself was constantly reacting against these archetypes, and it is this perpetual reflection on his own art that gives his works their extraordinary richness.

Arcangelo Corelli was the most famous Italian composer of the late 17th century. He owed this preeminence to his skill in harnessing the musical tendencies of his time, as is demonstrated by his celebrated Sonatas, which became the models for the chamber sonata (sonata da camera) and church sonata (sonata da chiesa). Yet the composer himself was constantly reacting against these archetypes, and it is this perpetual reflection on his own art that gives his works their extraordinary richness.

No musician embodies more the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past thirty years than Courtney Pine. His debut album, Journey To The Urge Within in 1987, was the first serious jazz album ever to make the British Top 40, notching up sales to qualify for a silver disc.

The Didjeridu (or didgeridoo) is an indigenous Australian instrument otherwise known as “drone pipe” or “yidaki”. It is a long (1 to 3 metres) cylindrical piece of wood - usually eucalyptus branches - from which termites ate out the core. The instrument is played with continuously vibrating lips, and requires a constant flow of air. This involves special techniques to inhale air through the nose and at the same time exhale through the mouth, with optional simultaneous vocalization. Good players can play continuously for over 40 minutes!

Quand on songe à l’œuvre d’Arcangelo Corelli, l’un des maîtres de la sonate préclassique et du concerto grosso, nous vient le plus souvent et spontanément en tête le fameux Concerto per la Notte di Natale, n° 8 des douze concerti grossi composant son opus 6. La Follia, cette célèbre sarabande qui développe une suite de quelque seize variations, est à l’opus V ce que le Concerto per la Notte di Natale est à l’opus 6 : la pièce la plus célèbre et la plus populaire.

2013 Gramophone Artist of the Year, three time winner at the Classic BRITs and also three time winner at the Echo Klassik Awards, Alison Balsom OBE has cemented an international reputation as one of classical music’s great ambassadors and is ranked amongst the most distinctive and ground-breaking musicians on the international circuit today. With this release Alison records on the natural trumpet for the first time since the hugely successful album Sound the Trumpet. Inspired by seasonal Baroque repertoire, the recording includes Bach’s concertos by Corelli, Torelli, and Fasch performed with the Academy of Ancient Music under the direction of violinist Pavlo Besnosiuk.