In Handel's time, it was customary to include instrumental interludes during performances of large compositions such as oratorios and operas. The three Concerti a due cori (concertos for strings and two groups of wind instruments) are fine examples of works written for this purpose. The musical content of all three concertos is drawn from previous, often well-known compositions (Messiah, etc.) in a manner that some today might call arranging, but in the Baroque, was considered perfectly normal and acceptable. These boisterous and attractive "crowdpleasers" are heard here in all their glory in performances by the superb Freiburger Barockorchester.
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REVIEWS:
The music is gorgeous, friendly Handel from beginning to end, if perhaps a bit too relentlessly cheerful. The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra are predictably assured performers. – Gramophone
Handel’s rich orchestrations, using wind and brass musicians, are magnificently played by the Freiburgers.
