The Age of Baroque
Composer: Various
Performer: London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, conducted by Don Jackson
Call Number: SDA 50768; CD 784.2 L
For a taste of several Baroque composers, the Age of Baroque compilation CD offers a variety of music from the period, ranging from Bach to Handel. Tracks include the familiar Canon in D by Pachelbel and "Spring" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, as well as lesser known pieces by Purcell, Handel, and Haydn, among others. This recording is a helpful introduction to Baroque music, and showcases the diversity of composers of the period. The Brandenburg Concertos Composer: Bach Performer: The Brandenburg Consort conducted by Roy Goodman Call Number: M1040 All six of Bach's delightful Brandenburg Concerti are included on this recording. Performed by the Brandenburg Consort with Roy Goodman on period instruments, this recording has an authentic Baroque sound which sets it apart from recordings done on modern instruments. Program notes about the concerti are included. The Brandenburg Concerti are some of the most famous works to come out of the Baroque period, the 3rd being perhaps the most recognizable. Concerti Grossi, Op. 6 Composer: Corelli Performer: The Brandenburg Consort conducted by Roy Goodman Call Number: M1140.C68 Corelli's twelve Concerti Grossi are performed by the Brandenburg Consort with Roy Goodman (again on period instruments), in this recording. The concerto grosso was a popular musical form in the Baroque period, and Corelli's twelve concerti are among the best examples. This collection includes his beautiful "Christmas Concerto" (No. 8), which was originally performed on Christmas Eve. Extra information about Corelli and his work is included with this recording as well. The Four Seasons Composer: Vivaldi Performer: Joshua Bell, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, John Constable Call Number: M1112.V58 Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is probably one of the best known works of classical music. Consisting of four separate concerti, the piece is a beautiful example of the Baroque style, and this recording by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, featuring Joshua Bell on the violin, is excellent. A new listener of Baroque music will recognize at least some parts of the "Seasons", and will therefore be comfortable with this recording. Included with the CD are modern translations of the sonnets originally written with the concerti. As an added bonus, this particular recording also includes Tartini's Devil's Trill Sonata, for violin and basso continuo, and is a Baroque piece not familiar to the general public. Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks Composer: Handel Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Rafael Kubelik Call Number: CD-5499 Handel is probably best known for his Messiah, but two equally gorgeous works include his Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. The Berlin Philharmonic is one of the world's premier orchestras, and makes this recording one worth noting. Handel's place was near the end of the Baroque period, and so sounds quite different from composers such as Corelli and Vivaldi. The recording includes brief program notes on both pieces.
