The Big Concert

The concerto grosso, literally 'big concert', was the blockbuster entertainment of the Baroque era: a thrilling contest between a small solo group and the full ensemble, full of swagger, surprise and dazzling energy.

In this programme, La Serenissima, Britain's leading champions of Italian Baroque, brings together concerti grossi by the form's greatest masters: Corelli, Vivaldi, Locatelli and their contemporaries.

Together, these composers helped define what orchestral music could be. Their works are full of contrast, character and invention, setting brilliance against poise, elegance against fire, and solo virtuosity against the rich sonority of the full ensemble. From Corelli's foundational influence to Vivaldi's flair and Locatelli's boldness, THE BIG CONCERT celebrates the concerto grosso at its most vivid. Expect brilliance, wit and irresistible momentum from one of Early Music's most exciting ensembles.

Programme:
Corelli (arr. Geminiani) Concerto Grosso I for strings & continuo in D
William Corbett Concerto VI alla Venetiana for strings & continuo in C, Op. 8, Libro I
Locatelli Concerto Grosso VI for strings & continuo in C minor, Op. 1
Vivaldi Concerto for 2 violins, strings & continuo in A minor, RV 523
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco Concerto V for strings & continuo in G minor, Op. 2
Giuseppe Valentini Concerto Grosso V for strings & continuo in B flat, Op. 7
Locatelli Concerto Grosso XII for strings & continuo in G minor, Op. 1
Michele Mascitti Concerto IV (Sonata XII) for strings & continuo in A, Op. 7

Performers:
La Serenissima
Adrian Chandler director