Description
Wassenaer: Concerti Armonici by I Musici - Newton Classics CD
Brand new! Factory packaged! As pictured! Buy with confidence!
- UPC: 8718247710232
- Product Type: Audio CD
- Brand Name: Newton Classics
- MPN: 8802023
- Genre: Classical
- Style: Baroque / Concerto
- Composer: Unico Wilhelm van Wassenaer (1692–1766)
- Artist: I Musici
- Release Year: 2010
Product Features
- Format: 1 Compact Disc (CD)
- Recording Mode: ADD Stereo
- Total Timing: 62'07
- Packaging: Jewel Case
- Manufactured in: The Netherlands
Overview
This Newton Classics release features the acclaimed chamber ensemble I Musici performing the complete Concerti Armonici by the Dutch nobleman Unico Wilhelm van Wassenaer. Originally recorded in July 1979 at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, these performances are celebrated for their warmth and stylistic precision. The works were famously misattributed to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and Carlo Ricciotti for over two centuries until their true authorship was finally confirmed in 1980. These concertos represent some of the most beautiful and sophisticated string music of the high Baroque era, blending Italian lyricism with masterful counterpoint.
Interesting Facts
- The Mystery Composer: For nearly 250 years, the Concerti Armonici were attributed to Pergolesi, Handel, or Ricciotti. It wasn't until 1979–1980 that musicologist Albert Dunning discovered a manuscript in the archives of Twickel Castle, containing a foreword in Wassenaer's own hand that proved his authorship.
- Aristocratic Modesty: Count van Wassenaer was a prominent Dutch diplomat and nobleman. He published these works anonymously because he felt it was beneath his social standing to be seen as a professional musician or composer.
- Composer's Self-Critique: In his private notes, Wassenaer modestly described some of these masterpieces as "tolerable," "middling," or even "wretched," though modern critics consider them among the finest works of the period.
- Musical Influence: The music is heavily influenced by the Italian style, particularly that of Arcangelo Corelli, reflecting Wassenaer’s extensive travels across Europe as a diplomat.
Track Listing
Concerti Armonici
- No. 1 in G
- I. Grave (2'05)
- II. Allegro (2'53)
- III. Grave, staccato (4'58)
- IV. Allegro (2'17)
- No. 2 in B flat
- I. Largo andante (4'11)
- II. Da capella: Non presto (1'43)
- III. Largo affettuoso (2'15)
- IV. Allegro moderato e staccato (2'45)
- No. 3 in A
- I. Grave assai sostenuto – Da capella: Canone di Palestrina – Adagio (3'33)
- II. Largo andante (3'49)
- III. Vivace (2'55)
- No. 4 in G
- I. Largo (3'19)
- II. Da capella: Presto (1'53)
- III. Largo affetuoso (4'33)
- IV. Allegro (1'53)
- No. 5 in F minor
- I. Adagio (3'09)
- II. Da capella (2'04)
- III. A tempo commodo (3'33)
- IV. A tempo giusto (1'28)
- No. 6 in E flat
- I. Affettuoso (2'48)
- II. Presto – Largo (3'31)
- III. Vivace (2'14)
Publishers
- Label: Newton Classics B.V.
- Copyright: ℗ 1980 Universal International Music B.V. / © 2010 Newton Classics B.V.
- Art Direction & Design: Jan Martin Wilschut BNO
We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!
#Wassenaer #ConcertiArmonici #IMusici #NewtonClassics #BaroqueMusic #ClassicalCD #DutchComposer #StringEnsemble #MusicHistory #RareClassical
