Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pietro Locatelli's "L'Arte del Violino, Op. 3, Vol. 4: Concertos Nos. 10-12," a remarkable collection of violin concertos that showcase the virtuosity and innovation of one of the 18th century's most influential composers. This album, released on January 1, 1999, under the ESSAY Recordings label, features three concertos performed by the talented Pro Musica Prague ensemble, conducted by Richard Kapp, with Mela Tenenbaum on the violin.
Locatelli, an Italian violinist and composer, was renowned for his technical prowess and expressive melodies. In this volume, he presents concertos that are both technically demanding and musically rich, offering a glimpse into the baroque and early classical periods. The concertos are structured in three movements each, ranging from lively allegros to serene largos, demonstrating Locatelli's mastery of musical form and emotion.
The concertos included in this album are:
- Concerto No. 10 in F Major: A lively and energetic piece that opens with a vibrant allegro, followed by a contemplative largo and a spirited andante.
- Concerto No. 11 in A Major: This concerto features a graceful allegro, a tender largo, and a lively andante that showcases the violin's agility.
- Concerto No. 12 in D Major 'Il laberinto armonico' ("The Labyrinth"): The final concerto in this volume is a tour de force, with a dynamic allegro, a dramatic largo-presto, and a spirited allegro that brings the album to a thrilling close.
With a duration of 57 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Locatelli's work and a delightful addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The Pro Musica Prague ensemble's performance is both precise and passionate, bringing Locatelli's compositions to life with a sumptuous orchestral palette and incisive rhythms. Whether you are a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.