BAROQUE – NICOLA BENEDETTI

Nicola Benedetti and the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra released “Baroque,” a captivating exploration of Geminiani and Vivaldi’s concerti, focusing on the operatic and communicative aspects of the Concerto Grosso genre. The album delves into the dynamic and narrative spirit often overlooked in this musical form.

The album’s opening features Geminiani’s D minor concerto, which incorporates the famous La folia theme from Corelli’s Sonata Op. 5 No. 12. The arrangement for a larger ensemble adds a robustness that makes it an exhilarating listen. The highly virtuosic first movement showcases impeccable collaboration between Benedetti and the ensemble, with synchronized handoffs and articulation. The final variation, with its furious presence, effectively shifts the melodic line from the assertive solo violin to the bass.

The second and third movements maintain a lively pace while offering more diversified variations. The musicians skillfully highlight a range of characters, from elegant and dancelike to contemplative. Notably, a slow variation in the third movement stands out for its sliding dissonances and suspensions, beautifully rendered through skilled voicing and harmonic calibration.

Vivaldi’s E-flat Major Concerto, though less famous, exemplifies Benedetti’s interpretation of the Concerto Grosso as multifaceted and commanding. The first movement features a compelling conversation between the soloist and the ensemble, with Benedetti’s clear and crystalline tone complemented by buoyant runs, arpeggios, and trills. The orchestra’s depth and roundness enhance the overall balance, while the harpsichord adds a distinctive timbre to the piece.

In the Adagio, the transformation of character is beautifully displayed, with the ensemble’s resoluteness giving way to a gentle dignity in swaying dotted rhythms. Benedetti infuses the piece with a spontaneity that diverges from the precise rhythms of the opening movement, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The interchanges between the violin and lute add a fine layer of nuance to this exquisite performance.

The album reaches its operatic pinnacle in the B Minor Concerto, where a dramatic ensemble sets the stage for Benedetti’s expressive and imploring solo lines. The violin stands out as an individual voice, effectively conveying the essence of a “love dispute gone wrong” as envisioned by Benedetti.

The sound engineering deserves praise for striking the right balance between the ensemble’s heftiness and the brilliance of the solo violin. Benedetti and her ensemble succeed in bringing out the vibrance of the Concerto Grosso genre, captivating listeners throughout the recording. Moreover, the album emphasizes the essence of the genre, emphasizing the partnership between soloist and ensemble over soloist glorification.

 “Baroque” by Nicola Benedetti, is a top-notch effort from all performers, offering a compelling and immersive listening experience. It is an album that merits multiple listens and deserves a place on any music lover’s shelf. Enthusiastically recommended.