Scarlatti: Concerti & Sinfonie

Scarlatti: Concerti & Sinfonie

This recording presents music by two Scarlattis: Alessandro (1660-1725), composer of innumerable vocal and chamber works, and his son Domenico (1685-1757), famous mostly for his several hundred keyboard sonatas. Alessandro is represented by six Concerti Grossi, a Sonata, and a Sinfonia; Domenico by three Sinfonias. All feature solo instruments: harp, recorder, and most prominently, violins and continuo cello. Alessandro fostered his son's talent, but the two eventually, perhaps inevitably, became rivals, and Domenico left his native Rome for Portugal and then Spain. Most of Alessandro's music recorded here is somber, solemn, and mournful, full of dissonances and sighing suspensions; four of the six concerti are in minor, but the two in major are bright and sprightly. One of the highlights is the slow, pastoral Finale of No. 6. They vary greatly in form, character, and texture; there is much masterful counterpoint, pungent rhythmic inventiveness, and a chromaticism that seems ahead of its time.
Europa Galante, an excellent Italian period-instrument group, is distinguished by its successful blending of meticulous technical and ensemble execution with musical spontaneity. Notable among the soloists are cellist Maurizio Naddeo and recorder player Petr Zeifart. Violinist Fabio Biondi, the group's director, is outstanding for his virtuosity, beautiful tone, and daring, inventive ornamentation. He deserves our gratitude for rescuing these unfamiliar works from undeserved neglect. --Edith Eisler

Country	USA
AudienceRating	NR (Not Rated)
Binding	Audio CD
EAN	0724354549526
IsAdultProduct
Label	Erato Disques
Manufacturer	Erato Disques
MPN	724354549526
NumberOfDiscs	1
NumberOfItems	1
PartNumber	724354549526
PublicationDate	2005-05-03
Publisher	Erato Disques
ReleaseDate	2002-05-07
Studio	Erato Disques

Scarlatti: Concerti & Sinfonie

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