Corelli, Manfredini, Torelli & Locatelli: Christmas Concertos

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with I Musici's captivating album, "Corelli, Manfredini, Torelli & Locatelli: Christmas Concertos." Released on October 9, 2020, under the Artemisia label, this exquisite collection of chamber music offers a timeless exploration of the Christmas season through the masterful compositions of four renowned Baroque era musicians.

Spanning a concise yet engaging 56 minutes, the album features a selection of concerto grossos, a musical form that highlights the contrast between a small group of soloists and a larger ensemble. The pieces, composed by Arcangelo Corelli, Francesco Manfredini, Giuseppe Torelli, and Pietro Locatelli, are performed with precision and passion by I Musici, a renowned ensemble known for their commitment to historical performance practices.

The album opens with Corelli's "Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 'Fatto per la Notte di Natale,'" a five-movement work that sets the stage for a musical journey through the Christmas season. The ensemble then moves on to Manfredini's "Concerto grosso in C Major, Op. 3 No. 12 'Pastorale per il santissimo Natale,'" a three-movement piece that evokes the pastoral scenes of the Nativity.

Torelli's "Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 'Pastorale per il santissimo Natale'" follows, with its lively and energetic movements providing a stark contrast to the more contemplative pieces that surround it. The album concludes with Locatelli's "Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 'La Notte di Natale,'" a six-movement work that brings the collection to a close with a sense of warmth and intimacy.

Throughout the album, I Musici's virtuosic playing and attention to detail shine, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on these beloved works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Corelli, Manfredini, Torelli & Locatelli: Christmas Concertos" is sure to delight and inspire.