Dive into the heart of the Baroque era with Arcangelo Corelli's "Church Sonatas, Opus 1 & 3," a masterful collection that showcases the composer's unparalleled skill in chamber music. This album, released by Linn Records in 2014, is the culmination of The Avison Ensemble's ambitious project to record Corelli's complete chamber music, marking the 300th anniversary of the composer's death. The ensemble, renowned for their expertise in Baroque music, delivers a performance that is both historically informed and deeply expressive.
The album features a total of 98 tracks, spanning over two hours and twenty-seven minutes, and includes all the sonatas from Opus 1 and Opus 3. These sonatas, known as "sonate da chiesa" or church sonatas, are characterized by their abstract movements and lack of dance forms, offering a pure and refined listening experience. The ensemble's agility and precision are particularly notable in the allegros, with standout performances in both the Opus 3 No. 1 and the exhilarating fugal Allegro of Opus 3 No. 5.
The Avison Ensemble, formed in 1985, comprises some of Europe's leading Baroque musicians, including Pavlo Beznosiuk on violin, Caroline Balding on violin, Richard Tunnicliffe on cello, Paula Chateauneuf on archlute, and Roger Hamilton on harpsichord. Their collective expertise brings Corelli's compositions to life, highlighting the intricate textures and harmonies that define the Baroque style.
This album is not just a collection of sonatas; it is a testament to Corelli's enduring influence on Western classical music. The sonatas in Opus 1 and Opus 3 are exquisite examples of the Italian Baroque instrumental tradition, showcasing Corelli's mastery of form and expression. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The Avison Ensemble's meticulous attention to detail and their deep understanding of the Baroque aesthetic make this recording a standout in the genre.
2014 Linn Records2014 Linn Records
Tracks
Sonata da chiesa a tre in F Major, Op. 1 No. 1: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in F Major, Op. 1 No. 1: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in F Major, Op. 1 No. 1: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in F Major, Op. 1 No. 1: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2: II. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Major, Op. 1 No. 3: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 4: I. Vivace (Attacca)Arcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 4: II. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 4: III. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 4: IV. PrestoArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 4: V. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B-Flat Minor, Op. 1 No. 5: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B-Flat Minor, Op. 1 No. 5: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B-Flat Minor, Op. 1 No. 5: III. Adagio. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B-Flat Minor, Op. 1 No. 5: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: II. LargoArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in B Minor, Op. 1 No. 6: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Major, Op. 1 No. 7: I. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Major, Op. 1 No. 7: II. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Major, Op. 1 No. 7: III. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 8: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 8: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 8: III. LargoArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 8: IV. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Major, Op. 1 No. 9: I. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Major, Op. 1 No. 9: II. Adagio - AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Major, Op. 1 No. 9: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Major, Op. 1 No. 9: IV. Allegro - AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Minor, Op. 1 No. 10: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Minor, Op. 1 No. 10: II. Allegro (Attacca)Arcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Minor, Op. 1 No. 10: III. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Minor, Op. 1 No. 10: IV. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in G Minor, Op. 1 No. 10: V. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Minor, Op. 1 No. 11: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Minor, Op. 1 No. 11: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Minor, Op. 1 No. 11: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Minor, Op. 1 No. 11: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Major, Op. 1 No. 12: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Major, Op. 1 No. 12: II. Largo e puntatoArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Major, Op. 1 No. 12: III. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in D Major, Op. 1 No. 12: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Sonata da chiesa a tre in F Major, Op. 3 No. 1: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, The Avison Ensemble, Pavlo Beznosiuk
Arcangelo Corelli, born in 1653 in Fusignano, Italy, was a virtuoso violinist and a pioneering composer of the middle Baroque era. His innovative works were instrumental in shaping the modern genres of sonata and concerto, and in establishing the violin as a leading instrument in classical music. Corelli's compositions, including his renowned 12 Concerti Grossi, have been continuously performed and studied since his time, a testament to their enduring appeal. His music laid the groundwork for modern tonality and functional harmony, making him a key figure in the development of Western classical music. Corelli's legacy continues to inspire musicians and enthusiasts alike, with his works remaining staples in the classical repertoire.
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Arcangelo Corelli
