Avison/Scarlatti

Twelve Concerti Grossi after Scarlatti

The Brandenburg Consort/Roy Goodman

HYPERION Dyad CDD22060 [1994]

These are delightful novelties, which should have broader currency, given the popularity of Scarlatti's harpsichord sonatas with domestic keyboard players, then and now.

Charles Avison (1709-1770) responded in his arrangements into concerto grossi to the difficulty of Scarlatti's keyboard writing, adding new introductory movements, cutting repeats and rewriting as he felt inclined without purist conscience.

Highly praised on original release, they should be snapped up by listeners who enjoy baroque music but want something 'different'. Played with style and affection by a renowned specialist team, and highly praised on original release, this "dyad" (two CDs for the price of one) should be snapped up by listeners who enjoy baroque music but want something 'different'.

And surely they could be a gift to the programmers of Classic FM (timings of the short movements are provided - to assist broadcasters?) who might gain kudos by researching the origins of the individual concertos...

Handel Concerti Grossi Opus 6

The Avison Ensemble

Linn Records CKD 362

This is a triple-CD of twelve concerti in a book style package. Reliable performances by a group which is steeped in the idiom through their thorough exploration of their local Newcastle composer, Charles Avison.

Recommended, but take them in small helpings, I advise...

CHARLES AVISON: HARPSICHORD SONATAS, Op. 5 & 7
op. 5 no. 1 - 6
op. 7 no. 1 - 6

GARY COOPER (harpsichord),
PAVLO BEZNOSIUK and CAROLINE BALDING (violins), ROBIN MICHAEL (cello)

Divine Art dda21215

A welcome pendant to the concerti grossi. These are fully written-out harpsichord pieces with optional strings accompaniments, intended for domestic ‘private Amusement', not for public concerts. The keyboard parts are virtuosic and relished by Gary Cooper. The modest string parts enrich the effect of the music, which we found very acceptable as breakfast time tafelmusik !

Peter Grahame Woolf