"How Manfredini could remain unknown after composing music this beautiful is both a mystery and a shame. The concerti are very reminiscent of Vivaldi, but with a melodic refinement and sensitivity that belong to a later era. The performance is outstanding, and the recording is crystal clear. Highly recommended for any music lover, and note that [Amazon.com's]sample tracks are just a foretaste - the best numbers are later in the CD."
Manfredini is 'da MAN! So Underrated his works are!!!
Muogin | California | 11/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WOW WOW WOW!
I love rhythmic baroque music. Such as Vivaldi's presto's and Telemann's Sinfonia Spritiuosa. But we've all heard of Viv and Tele, and Bach etc... Then I hapt across (thank to the internet) this dude named Francesco Onofrio MANFREDINI! This guy is awesome. The strings bounce and move with rhythmic strength and joy from end to end of this steller 18th century master.
I hope I'm not missing out on any other Baroque composer's at this level. After all I just hapt across the one, the only, the MAN! Manfredini and this groovin' Concerti Grossi, Op.3!!! Hmm now to search for opus 1,2,4,....
And did I mention it was $7 bucks! Absolutely hilarious they want $17.00 for the latest brittney spears CD and only $7 for this timeless masterwork of sonic beauty by Manfredini."
Sparkling Music
Ross Kennett | Narooma, NSW Australia | 03/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the 1990s the Capella Istropolitana recorded for Naxos all, or nearly all,the concerti grossi of Corelli, Geminiani, Locatelli and Manfredini. The Corelli was pretty good, you used to hear it on classic music radio, the Geminiana and Locatelli recordings were less so, but all were good enough to interest me so that in later years I bought better recordings of all of them. This CD, the Manfredini, was the most successful of them. The recording is of the twelve concerti grossi of his opus 3, just about all of his surviving work. Each of the twelve is a little gem, tuneful, joyful music that sparkles like the morning sun on dew. The performance is unprentious, but precise and articulate, and the first and only ( ? )recording of this music. If my memory is correct the CD won a Rosette from Penguin. It is well worth 5 stars, and at Naxos's bargain price is a steal, please buy it, it may spur your interest in the wonderful world of Baroque music."
Unsung Baroque Master
Ross Kennett | 10/21/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Manfredini is one of the unsung masters of the Italian Baroque. This recording is the first commitment of his complete and enchanting Opus 3 to CD. The concertos are energetic and polished and showcase the considerable melodic gifts of this fine composer. The 12th concerto will be familiar to many as the "Christmas" concerto which is a fine and beautifully crafted finale to the opus. Let us hope more of Manfredini's music will soon make its way into recordings."
Crisp and Lively
Eric Peterson | Slovakia | 11/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never heard of Manfredini until I got "Italian Baroque Favorites" by Cappell Istropolitana and Naxos, and from that sample I decided to get this CD. I was certainly not disappointed. The music jumps right out at you, it is so clear and crisp. Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach Concertos are not any better than Manfredini, lots of energy! Capella Istropolitana is number 1 for Baroque music."