"This is a great recording of Corelli's Op. 6. I Musici as usual shines. There are other versions available (that are more expensive, too), but this one is the best one out there. The sound is crisp, the playing fluid and lively, and the overall sound quality nice and clear. Corelli is one of the big names in Baroque music, so he shouldn't be overlooked. If you're serious about building up your Baroque library, then you should consider including this recording in your collection. I own a number of discs featuring the talents of I Musici, and this 2-disc set ranks right up there with their finest recordings."
Highly Recommended
ozvaldo8 | Virginia | 12/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording of the fabulous grand concertos by Corelli is one of the best recordings that I own. These concertos should not be taken for granted; they set a precedent for the Concerti grossi by Handel, Geminiani, and many others.I Musici employs their impeccable technique, tone, articulation, and dynamics in this recordings. Philips held up their part of the deal; the sound quality on the recording is unbelievable. No other recording that I own is as crisp and clean as this recording is. A must buy for fans of baroque music."
Beautiful, slightly Romanticized Corelli with a large chambe
Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 11/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I classify this is beautiful, slightly Romanticized Corelli Concerti grossi with a large chamber orchestra. The Swiss/Italian ensemble I Musici (without conductor) plays very well in these late 1960s recordings of Corelli's most famous, most often recorded works. Sometimes their allegro movement tempos are a little slower than we are used to hearing today: compare Pinnock/English Concert, in their 1988 recording, but they are well recorded and well played.
I especially like the rich full string sound in slower movements. I Musici's players take their time to make points, and have near perfect ensemble. This is how I imagine Bruno Walter (1876-1962) would conduct Corelli's Opus 6, had he recorded this music late in his career: it is rich, warm, and far from the period instrument recordings being made over the past 15 years. (There is a 1930s recording of Walter conducting the "Christmas" Concerto grosso, No. 8 in G minor, on Dutton).
My favorite Concertos in this collection are No. 4 in D Major, and the "Christmas" Concerto, No. 8 in g minor. Not all are as memorable as these, but they have great tunes which will move you. I also like Trevor Pinnock/English Concert, for period instrument Corelli Op. 6 (DG Archiv) and Adrian Shepherd/Cantilena (Chandos) for a modern chamber orchestra, but I really like this, too. I Musici does the job very well: highly recommended."
Flawless Musicianship!
John J. Schauer | Chicago, IL USA | 05/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some have categorized this recording as "romantic," but those of us who are a bit older will remember when I Musici represented an informed approach to Baroque music. If your taste runs to the more asthmatic sounds of period instruments, you might find this recording a bit too ripe, but I'd characterize it more as robust and lush. The bottom line is that this ensemble's musicianship is impeccable, the playing vibrant and joyful, and the sound is luscious. I can enjoy an "original instrument" performance as well, but I'd hate to give up the kind of gorgeous music-making this ensemble invariably delivers. It's far and away my favorite Corelli recording. (By the way, when will Amazon's data-entry people learn how to recognize who the composer is on a recording? Enzo Altobelli is merely the cellist in the concertino group.)"
Accomplished, but not my style
Anonymous | Yardley, PA United States | 01/07/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Whoever said these performances are far from the period-instrument performances commonly heard today was exactly right--and I have to admit I found this recording old-fashioned. It's not just that the tempi are slower than we're accustomed to (or have become accustomed to); the sluggish pace and interpretation make Corelli seem un-baroque, and that just doesn't sound right. It's also a touch too sentimental. I think of Corelli as a brilliant light from a very different age, and this performance makes him sound like a not-yet-Vivaldi."