Antonio Caldara (1670-1736) was a prolific and highly competent composer who produced some first rate operas, choral works (oratorios, cantatas, motets), and instrumental pieces–including these thoroughly engaging symphonies for string orchestra–while working in Italy and at the Viennese court of Charles VI. A master of melody and of contrapuntal style, Caldara was especially adept at creating orchestral works every bit as melodically and rhythmically appealing as the concerti grossi of Handel, and from this program of 12 symphonies we get a reasonably good feel for his facility and inventiveness. Unfortunately, this orchestra is not up to the world class standards we’ve come to enjoy from Baroque ensembles these days–indeed, the playing is no more than we should reasonably expect from an average university student group, which is the case here. Throughout, the rhythmic character is one of a lumbering giant rather than a skipping, lightfooted elf, interior lines are squashed between weighty bass accents and all-too-deliberate upper violin lines. We have the feeling of careful note-playing and strict time-keeping rather than springy melodies and unfettered, dancing rhythms. Articulation is poor–attacks and releases are bowed uniformly but not precisely. And the sound is rather cavernous, which doesn’t help anyone–not least the composer, who deserves far better. On the positive side, if this disc leads a few listeners to look further into the Caldara catalog, so much the better. On the minus side: the choice is rather pathetic, although there is a much better disc containing all 12 of these symphonies, from the Slovak Chamber Orchestra on CPO.
