1700

Following their album 1600, Concerto Italiano jump forward a century for a programme of string music that celebrates the extraordinary creativity of 18th century Italian composers. All the works here are scored for four-part ensemble without soloist and reveal, once again, the elegant style of Rinaldo Alessandrini’s ensemble (which he directs from the harpsichord). Alongside well-known composers like Vivaldi, Geminiani and Locatelli, we encounter the distinctive personalities of Durante, Mascitti, Galuppi and Pugnani. Sparkling string writing links them all and Concerto Italiano do a lot more than rescue these often unfamiliar pieces—they give them voice once mre.