Mr Corelli in London (HMU 907523)
Recorder virtuoso Maurice Steger performs a dazzling programme of concertos fashioned by English adherents of Arcangelo Corelli from the Italian master's visionary Violin Sonatas op.5.
The English Concert
Laurence Cummings director
"Recorder virtuoso Steger's latest recital traces the history of the Corelli cult of Georgian London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Adored for its simplicity by gentleman amateurs, orchestrated by Geminiani and flamboyantly decorated by professional soloists (usually violinists), Corelli's music outlived its creator, dressed up or down according to taste and ability. Steger's performance is a thrilling hybrid, dazzlingly embellished yet pure and true of tone. The English Concert match Steger's élan, with glorious solos from the ensemble"
The Independent on Sunday
Sunday 11 April 2010
“Steger nicely sets the scene, telling of England’s obsession with Corelli’s music and of the convivial societies of amateurs who would gather in smoke-filled rooms to play it...Steger’s playing is unfailingly seductive; the English Concert under Cummings is equally delectable.”
The Sunday Times
Sunday 18 April 2010
