Corelli: Sonate da camera, Opp. 2 & 4
Published:
COMPOSERS: Corelli
LABELS: Harmonia Mundi
WORKS: Sonate da camera, Opp. 2 & 4
PERFORMER: London Baroque
CATALOGUE NO: HMA 1901342-43 Reissue (1991)
Corelli spent some ten years polishing each of his two sets of trio sonatas ‘for the chamber’: the result was 24 perfectly formed gems that helped ensure his international fame. Recorded back in 1989, these performances remain hard to beat for their combination of musical sensitivity, accomplished technique and, above all, for their infectious dance-like quality. There’s some stylish individual playing here – notably by Ingrid Seifert and Lars Ulrik Mortensen – but all four performers interact in the spirit of true chamber music and with a thorough understanding of Baroque style. The only disappointment is the slightly metallic recorded sound – but it’s a small price to pay. Kate Bolton