Arcangelo Corelli's "Sonatas for Strings, Vol. 3" is a captivating collection of 12 Trio Sonatas, a testament to the composer's mastery of the Baroque era. Released on Chandos in 1992, this album offers a rich, 75-minute journey through the intricate and elegant compositions that Corelli is renowned for. The album is divided into two operas, Op. 3 and Op. 4, each containing six sonatas that showcase a variety of moods and tempos, from the solemn Grave to the lively Allegro.
Corelli, an Italian violinist and composer, was a pivotal figure in the development of the concerto and sonata forms. His influence on the Baroque period is profound, and this album is a perfect introduction to his work for those new to classical music, as well as a delightful addition to the collections of seasoned enthusiasts. The sonatas are performed by an ensemble that brings out the full depth and nuance of Corelli's writing, with each movement expertly executed to highlight the composer's innovative use of harmony and counterpoint.
The album begins with the Op. 3 sonatas, which are notable for their four-movement structure and the use of the Corelli Giga, a dance form that he popularized. The Op. 4 sonatas, on the other hand, feature a five-movement structure and include a variety of dance forms such as the Allemanda, Corrente, and Sarabande. The contrast between the two operas provides a dynamic listening experience, with each sonata offering its own unique character and charm.
"Sonatas for Strings, Vol. 3" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it's a window into the past, offering insight into the musical tastes and innovations of the Baroque period. Corelli's compositions are a blend of Italian and German styles, reflecting the cultural exchanges of his time. This album is a celebration of that heritage, and a reminder of the enduring power of classical music to inspire and uplift. Whether you're a fan of chamber music or simply looking to explore the rich history of classical music, this album is sure to delight.
1992 Chandos Records1992 Chandos Records
Tracks
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 1 in F Major: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 1 in F Major: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 1 in F Major: III. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 1 in F Major: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 2 in D Major: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 2 in D Major: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 2 in D Major: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 2 in D Major: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 1 in C Major: I. Preludio. LargoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 1 in C Major: II. Corrente. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 1 in C Major: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 1 in C Major: IV. Allemanda. PrestoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 2 in G Minor: I. Preludio. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 2 in G Minor: II. Allemanda.AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 2 in G Minor: III. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 2 in G Minor: IV. Corrente. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 3 in B-Flat Major: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 3 in B-Flat Major: II. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 3 in B-Flat Major: III. LargoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 3 in B-Flat Major: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 4 in B Minor: I. LargoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 4 in B Minor: II. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 4 in B Minor: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 4 in B Minor: IV. PrestoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: I. Preludio. LargoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: II. Corrente. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: III. SarabandeArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: IV. Tempo di Gavorra. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 4 in D Major: I. Preludio. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 4 in D Major: II. Corrente. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 4 in D Major: III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 4 in D Major: IV. Giga. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Minor: I. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet, Jakob Lindberg
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Minor: II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet, Jakob Lindberg
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Minor: III. LargoArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet, Jakob Lindberg
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Minor: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet, Jakob Lindberg
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major: I. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major: II. GraveArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major: III. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 3, Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major: IV. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 5 in A Minor: I. Preludio. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 5 in A Minor: II. AllemandaArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 5 in A Minor: III. Corrente. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 5 in A Minor: IV. Gavotta. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 6 in E Major: I. Preludio. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 6 in E Major: II. Allemanda. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet
12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 4, Trio Sonata No. 6 in E Major: III. Giga. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Purcell Quartet