Search - I Musici :: Geminiani: 12 Concerti Grossi

Perfect Gem for Geminiani

salymander | 03/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In these 12 concerti of Geminiani, I Musici creates lush and sumptuously sculpted melody and poignant phrasing in superbly balanced ensemble. There is nothing too emphatic or adventurous here - just gorgeous, sweet, emotional, frilly Baroque music played perfectly!"

Very Satisfying

Robert Wille | Steger, IL USA | 08/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These pieces are Corelli's 12 sonatas for violin and continuo. Geminiani arranged them for string quartet. The booklet that comes with the set expands on this and provides a little historical background. The music is emotionally satisfying, full of memorable melodies (one or two of which you might find yourself whistling in unguarded moments) and rich harmonies. And, as the first reviewer notes, I Musici plays them perfectly."

Beautiful music - played with the heart and skill

Craig Matteson | Ann Arbor, MI | 08/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Geminiani was a student of Corelli and these 12 concerti are arrangements of Corelli's 12 violin sonatas. But they aren't slavish rewritings of the pieces. Certain things are kept, but much is new and even experimental for its time. For example, Geminiani use a four-part ripieno rather than the then traditional three-part group (the ripieno is the "soloist" group that plays with and against the larger ensemble - the concertino).This is beautiful and fun music. Since Corelli's music was all the rage it was natural for composers to find ways to get the public (especially in England) more of it or at least music very much like it.The recording is very nice and the playing is quite nice if not blazingly original. But do we need extreme individual statements in music of this type? I think a more subdued brand of personal expression is more suitable and I Musici gives us that. I really do enjoy listening to this disk and believe you will, too."