Albinoni: 12 Concerti a cinque Op 5

Michael Talbot, an English musicologist who specializes in the Italian Baroque school, observed in his liner notes to a previous edition of this disc that "Albinoni is a good example of the composer who, having established an original and influential style at the start of his career, lacks the flexibility to keep pace with developments introduced by other composers and before long becomes an arch-conservative." Talbot goes on to say that Albinoni's later works, op. 7 (1715) & 9 (1722) "offer no advance on op. 5 (1707), in terms of structure and instrumental idiom, though the dimensions are larger and one or two oboes appear in a solo role in several concertos."Talbot, who has written monographs on Vivaldi and Albinoni, adds that "Perhaps only Op. 5 shows the composer consistently at his best: the technical immaturity of Op. 2 has been overcome, while the facile self-repetition of the later concertos is not yet evident." This appraisal strikes me as bit harsh, for while it`s true that some of Albinoni's Op. 7 concertos sound almost interchangeable with others, the twelve concerti making up Op. 9 number among the most original and best of the composer's output.To quote Talbot one more time, "Although the emotional climate of Albinoni's music is normally cooler than that of Vivaldi's - [English musicologist] Arthur Hutchings has said that his music glows where Vivaldi's flames - there are many moments in Op. 5 where melodious urbanity gives way to passionate outbursts.... Repeated hearing will reveal how varied in mood these concertos are, despite their outward similarity." Indeed, the Op. 5 concertos are filled with inventive, uplifting music with an abundance of wonderful melodies. The strings of I Musici make the most of these scores, delivering thick waves of plush sound. It's fortunate that Decca Eloquence has reissued this valuable disc for I can't imagine a better recording of this glorious music.Five stars.

Man! I just love Alinoni. The compositions are just so well put together that it grows on you and it shines with the felling of happiness. If you have never listened to classical well this will most assurdly get you to listen for more. And to really appreciate the classical music.

Sitting here listening to this CD. WOW. Totally grooving on it. Collegium Musicum 90 and Simon Standage did great. Oh thank you Chandos! Excellent sound quality. This is so good it is like ancient rock n roll the way it just flows, swings and jumps along. Albinoni sure could write! YEAH! (Ok so I got tired of dry educated same old classical reviews and wanted to do something different. Believe me, this truly IS a fine disc of music in ALL ways. Sold out I see as write this review and understand why now).

If you like baroque, this is for you. Great sound quality............

gave one copy to a friend (old boss)...... good music just got to remember not to hit the same button more than once...some people write reviews mentioning musical terms and tone and colour .... i just know what i like.... and can tellthe difference between heifetz and don messer.........magnum........

Well what can you say about Albinoni. This music is perfect to listen too. Very good when you have a small dinner, like "tablemusic" I will really recommend this cd.

A great baroque CD to tap your feet along to. Wonderful syncopation, and rhythm. All the concerto's are certainly of a theme but there is enough variation to keep them interesting. If you like the Brandenburg Concerto's the chances are that you will like these.

Tomaso Albinoni was fortunate in being born into wealth - his father had inherited a successful playing card manufacturing business. As Michael Talbot makes clear in his excellent accompanying notes, this prosperity enabled the son to spend his time as a musical 'dilettante', a term he evidently took pride in.But what of this CD - are there any aces up its sleeve or jokers in its pack? The recording quality is sufficiently high, although not noticeably enhanced by Chaconne's 24-bit sampling technology that is proudly emblazoned on the CD cover. To my ears, the spread of sound is, in fact, less dynamic than with other mid to full-priced labels, like Sony or Opus 111.Simon Standage ably directs Collegium Musicum 90, taking the 'starring' role. As Talbot points out, these pre-Vivaldi Opus 3 concerti hadn't yet established a clear distinction between the principal first violin with occasional solo passages and a genuine soloist in the proper sense. The concerti of this set were published in 1707, Vivaldi's groundbreaking L'Estro Armonico in 1711.Ultimately, however, it is the music that fails to hit the heights. The first track (the opening Allegro from the Concerto No 1 in Bb) is simple but captivating. The collection as a whole, however, is rather routine and formulaic, lacking the variety of not just Vivaldi's Op.3 but Albinoni's own Opp.7 and 9. It's all urbane and sophisticated enough - what's missing, perhaps, is that baize table and deck of cards.

Escuchar a Albinoni es una delicia y un privilegio pero I Musici son unos maestros avivando nuestros sentidos. Una gran obra

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