Even if this selection of 'Concertos' was most likely compiled by Handel's publisher rather than by the composer himself, the overall quality and colourful nature of the music contained do make it a powerful 'opus'. With their historically-informed and lively playing, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and concertmaster Georg Kallweit demonstrate why many consider them the best Baroque ensemble of today.
About the Artist
The ensemble's first PENTATONE album, Cantata (2018) with countertenor Bejun Mehta, won a Diapason d or. Their 2019 recording of the first six Op. 6 concerti grossi was hailed as immaculately played ... free of fashionable eccentricities by The Sunday Times, while Klassik praised the ensemble's playing as eloquent . Their following release with the remainder of the Op. 6 concertos (2020) was singled out by Music Web International for its unprecedented lightness and brightness.
BBC Music Magazine November 2020
The leader and director of the AAMBerlin’s ensemble, Georg Kallweit, is a sympathetic and responsive Handelian. He favours brisk tempos in faster movements, indulges in a pleasing rhythmic elasticity where appropriate, and maintains a crisp and airy articulation, which serves the many dance movements especially well. Ornaments are commendably stylish, and there is a wealth of sensitive playing from the soloists.
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