Marcello: 6 Concertos La Cetra

Marcello’s Oboe Concerto is one of the best-loved and most performed works in the instrument’s repertoire. Originally written in C minor, it is heard here in its D minor transcription by J.S. Bach, who clearly appreciated the work’s special qualities. With its astonishingly sophisticated use of melody and harmony for its time, its lyrical and graceful outer movements and the exquisitely beautiful central Adagio that has made it so famous, this work is widely regarded as Marcello’s finest masterpiece (if, indeed, it was composed by Marcello: in his fascinating liner notes, musical director Giorgio Sassi suggests that the piece could have been composed by Albinoni or even Bach himself).

This release also features Marcello’s six concertos published under the title “La Cetra”. The concertos could be regarded as a last outpost of the late-Baroque style, with features that anticipate the development of Classicism, and they showcase a remarkably wide range of expression, atmosphere and timbre, which is done full justice in these consummate performances by acclaimed early music specialists Insieme Strumentale di Roma. The ensemble boasts an extensive and enthusiastically received discography, and has been praised for its ‘stylish and sweetly modulated performances’ and ‘warmth, spirit and sensitivity’ (Gramophone).

Other information:
- Recorded in 2013 in Rome.
- This release contains one of the most famous Adagios of the entire repertoire: the adagio from the D minor Oboe Concerto by Benedetto Marcello!
- Marcello’s style is High Baroque, already foreshadowing the Classical Style, music of great depth and emotion, richly scored for a wide variety of solo instruments and continuo.
- Beautifully played with warmth and dedication by the Early Music specialist group Insieme Strumentale di Roma, conducted by Giorgio Sasso, an eminent scholar and musician, writer of the extensive liner notes.
- The same group already issued an interesting and acclaimed recording for Brilliant Classics: Bach Concerto Reconstructions (BC 94340).
- Booklet includes liner notes and artist biographies.