Pratum Integrum Orchestra - Maxim Berezovsky: Secular Music (2003) [SACD]

These are all world premiere recordings of music by a Russian composer & singer who lived until 1777. The performances are by a highly skilled ensemble of young Russian musicians comprising one of the only original instrument ensembles in Russia. We have reviewed earlier SACDs from Caro Mitis; they are engineered primarily by Polyhymnia in Holland & have the highest sonic standards…
The opening Sinfonia is considered very 1st Russian symphony. It is in a sort of generic 18th century style, as are the 3 sonatas for harpsichord, which were just recently discovered. Berezovsky wrote much liturgical music & his concerto for four voices “Cast me Not Off in the Time of Old Age” is regarded as his greatest sacred work. Therefore it seems odd that it is the closing, & most interesting work, on this SACD with the overall title of Secular Music (although it is an arrangement for string quartet rather than the original voices). I’m sorry but although this is commendable production in all aspects.



Tracks:

Sinfonia in C major (1770-1773)
1 Allegro molto [2:23]
2 Andante [4:10]
3 Presto [2:30]

The First Russian symphony
4 Aria of Timante "Prudente Mi Chiedi" from "Il Demofonte" opera (1773) [4:36]
5 Aria of Timante "Misero Pargoletto" from "Il Demofonte" opera (1773) [5:39]
6 Sonata in B flat major for Harpsichord [4:52]
7 Sonata in C major for Harpsichord [4:17]

Sonata in F major for Harpsichord (in two parts)
8 Allegro [2:14]
9 Ariette [3:47]

Sonata in C major for Violin and Harpsichord (1772)
10 Allegro [4:37]
11 Grave [2:49]
12 Menuetto con 6 variazioni [2:53]

13 Quartet "Cast Me Not Off In The Time Of Old Age" (before 1769)
(transcription for Strings by P. Serbin, 2003) [8:22]


Tracks 1 - 9 are the World Premiere Recordings