Arcangelo Corelli
Concerti Grossi op. 6
Modo Antiquo
Federico Maria Sardelli
Tactus 1999
flac, cue, logs and scans
Modo Antiquo present the first recorded performance with the addition of ripieno trumpets, oboes and flutes, a practice which modern research suggests was common in Rome in Corelli’s time, though nowhere indicated in the published editions of these concertos. Whether or not these particular concerti grossi would have been performed in this way we shall never know and I’m no more qualified to get involved in the debate than anyone who reads Federico Sardelli’s persuasive notes in the booklet.What I can say is that the results sound convincing, especially as the performances are sharply delineated and sympathetic and the additions are not overdone. Nothing in these performances is in bad taste or contrary to the spirit of the music. Try listening to No.8, the ‘Christmas’ concerto, especially the familiar pastoral finale.
Perhaps these enhanced versions are not for hearing every time, but they certainly serve well as an adjunct to the Avison Ensemble or if you have an earlier collection such as those directed by Trevor Pinnock, Roy Goodman, Nicholas McGegan or Chiara Banchini (from MusicWeb review).