SOLOS AND CONCERTOS FITTED FOR FLUTES

Marco Scorticati (flute) & Ensemble Estro cromatico

In early 18th-century England, the recorder was a popular instrument among music lovers, therefore – since the eminent Italian composer Arcangelo Corelli’s works made an enormous impression in the country – it was only a matter of time before numerous virtuoso recorder arrangements of his string works began to appear. Estro Cromatico leader Marco Scorticati (recorder) and his longstanding partner Davide Pozzi (harpsichord and organ) join forces with Evangelina Mascardi (archlute), Sara Campobasso (recorder), Michela Gardini (cello) and Pietro Pasquini (organ), to deliver a new rendition of this well-loved music, including two premiere recordings. Improvised ornamentation, as well as the multifaceted texture provided by diversified combinations of the continuo instruments, play a central role in the present interpretation, thus bringing Corelli's extraordinary music back to life; as Roger North wrote in 1710 «if music can be immortal, Corelli’s consorts will be so». Booklet notes include a short essay on Corelli and the recorder written by Dr. David Lasocki, recognized as one of the world’s leading scholars regarding woodwind instruments, particularly members of the flute family.

Corelli:
 Concerto grosso Op. 6 No. 4 in D major
 Concerto grosso Op. 6 No. 8 in G minor 'fatto per la notte di Natale'
 Concerto grosso Op. 6 No. 9 in F major
 Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 4 in F major
 Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 7 in D minor

"Perhaps the rich confection underpinning the F major Sonata’s opening slightly draws attention away from Marco Scorticati’s suave assumption of the solo line, but he artfully negotiates the googly of Corelli’s chordal writing with some energetically projected recorder figuration…These conspicuously suave performances offer more than mere pragmaticism.
BBC Music Magazine - April 2019 ****