G.F. Handel
Twelve Concerti grossi, op. 6
performed by
Il Giardino Armonico
(on period instruments)
Giovanni Antonini, dir.
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Il Giardino Armonico takes a characteristically dramatic view of the
music — and a distinctively Italian one. Handel did, after all, hone his
compositional skills in Italy before settling in England, and continued
to compose Italian operas for most of the rest of his life.
In being
probably the first Italian period-instrument ensemble ever to record the
Op.6 Concerti grossi complete, Il Giardino Armonico hopes to reclaim
Handel for Italy by exploring the unique qualities that their native
temperament can bring to the music.
Antonini wants to avoid the pompous,
ceremonial side of Handel’s musical character often heard in
performances of such works as the Water Music and Music for the Royal
Fireworks
"For me, there’s a much more interesting side to Handel’s
music — that’s the Italian side: the `singing aspect’ of his
instrumental music which is less English and much more Italian. The
young Handel came to Italy and his writing changed after he visited
Venice, Florence and Rome, where he met Corelli. This is something which
stayed with him, and is something I want to show in a fresh — Italian —
perspective.”
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Edition: L'Oiseau-Lyre 2009
Recording: Centro Cultural Miguel Delibes, Valladolid, Spain, 6 & 7/2008
TT: 168'25''
