Giorgio Sasso, Andrea Mion, Insieme Strumentale di Roma - A. Marcello: 6 Concertos “La Cetra” - Concerto in D Minor for Oboe and Strings (2014)

Tracklist

01. Concerto in D Minor for Oboe, Strings and Continuo: I. Andante e spiccato
02. Concerto in D Minor for Oboe, Strings and Continuo: II. Adagio
03. Concerto in D Minor for Oboe, Strings and Continuo: III. Presto
04. Concerto No. 1 in D Major, SF 936 "La Cetra": I. Allegro assai
05. Concerto No. 1 in D Major, SF 936 "La Cetra": II. Larghetto
06. Concerto No. 1 in D Major, SF 936 "La Cetra": III. Vivace
07. Concerto No. 2 in E Major, SF 938 "La Cetra": I. Allegro assai
08. Concerto No. 2 in E Major, SF 938 "La Cetra": II. Moderato
09. Concerto No. 2 in E Major, SF 938 "La Cetra": III. Spiritoso ma non presto
10. Concerto No. 3 in B Minor, SF 937 "La Cetra": I. Andante larghetto
11. Concerto No. 3 in B Minor, SF 937 "La Cetra": II. Adagio
12. Concerto No. 3 in B Minor, SF 937 "La Cetra": III. Presto
13. Concerto No. 4 in E Minor, SF 939 "La Cetra": I. Moderato
14. Concerto No. 4 in E Minor, SF 939 "La Cetra": II. Largo appoggiato
15. Concerto No. 4 in E Minor, SF 939 "La Cetra": III. Allegro
16. Concerto No. 5 in B-Flat Major, SF 944 "La Cetra": I. Moderato
17. Concerto No. 5 in B-Flat Major, SF 944 "La Cetra": II. Larghetto staccato
18. Concerto No. 5 in B-Flat Major, SF 944 "La Cetra": III. Presto ma non molto
19. Concerto No. 6 in G Major, SF 941 "La Cetra": I. Allegro
20. Concerto No. 6 in G Major, SF 941 "La Cetra": II. Larghetto
21. Concerto No. 6 in G Major, SF 941 "La Cetra": III. Vivace



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).

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