Corelli: Concerti grossi Op. 6, 1-6

Following the complete recording of Handel's "Concerti grossi", the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin now presents a recording of the first six Concerti grossi op. 6 by the composer, ensemble leader and violin virtuoso Arcangelo Corelli, who enjoyed almost cult-like adoration during his lifetime. The composer had been experimenting with one of the most distinctive forms of Baroque instrumental music since the late 1670s, but it was not until towards the end of his life that he sought to publish these compositions, selecting twelve exemplary pieces from what was presumably a much larger collection. In doing so, he laid the foundation for this instrumental form for later composers such as the aforementioned Georg Friedrich Handel, who paid tribute to the Italian Baroque master with his two cycles of works. The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and its two concertmasters Mayumi Hirasaki and Georg Kallweit once again demonstrate their extraordinary virtuosity here. The ensemble has an extensive discography, including the "Cantata" with Bejun Mehta, which was awarded the Diapason d'Or.