Torelli, Mossi, Valentini, Locatelli, Leo: Concertos for 4 Violins (Dig)

“A fascinating programme played with zeal and precision“ - Gramophone
There's life beyond Vivaldi and Corelli - and here's what composers from Rome, Naples and Bologna were getting up to in the 18th century, in “A fascinating programme, played with zeal and precision. Recommended" (Gramophone)
In his typically provocative original notes to this release, Reinhard Goebel appeared to cast doubt on the intrinsic merits of writing for four violns:“All that glitters is not gold - and indubitably not everything played on this record glitters. Individual movements are fascinating, yet in the last analysis the composers fall foul of their chosen instrumental forces: four violins of equal status proved to be a medium for which interesting curiosities can be written, but not great music sustained at any length. But what is “great music"? Who will, or can, define it?"
In these passionate performances - you can even hear the soloists sigh over particular phrases - the rich, contrasting textures of the music come alive. Earlier rarities by Mossi and Valentini are balanced by more familiar works from later masters Locatelli and Leo, whose rococo touches do not preclude strength of feeling.