You just have to love music like this–tuneful and exceptionally well crafted, these little concertos and cantata were, after all, intended for the pure enjoyment of an ordinary, if musically well-informed audience. These are not complex or deeply intellectual works; rather, they blend the inherent sound and technique of various common solo instruments–trumpet, oboe, soprano voice–with the natural ensemble characteristics of the string orchestra, combine this with pleasing melodies and affecting rhythms, and tie it all together in several complementary sections of contrasting but predictable tempos and keys. The inventiveness of the composer, particularly regarding melody, was all-important, and his ability to keep things moving in a lively and engaging rhythmic context–today, we’d call it “catchy”–was essential to the success and durability of the music. And if he also could make the music really fun for the performers, nothing more could be asked. All of these things are true of the pieces on this disc–the last point confirmed by the fact that this orchestra and soloists are fully engaged, impressively “together”, give tremendous energy to the music’s rhythmic pulse, and pay careful attention to the little expressive details. Except for the lovely cantata, beautifully sung by soprano Maya Boog, and Corelli’s molto-famous Op. 6, No. 8 concerto grosso, these concertos have nothing to do with Christmas except for the associations with shepherds recalled in their “pastorale” movements. That’s okay, though, because this is the sort of recording that can and should be enjoyed any time of year.
