The Avsion Ensemble - Handel: Concerti Grossi Opus 6 - Scotland on Sunday

In the 18th century, London was an acknowledged centre of music appreciation and immigrant musicians; George Frideric Handel was just another among the incomers, until his skills became so widely applauded that his Germanic roots were forgotten. The Concerto Grosso format derives from the Italian violinist Arcangelo Corelli, who published 12 of them in 1714. Handel borrowed freely both of the format and from other composers' music, but adding his own particular spin. The result is highly pleasing and sonorous music that, even at more than two and a half hours, seems to end too soon. Great music, beautifully packaged and skilfully played by the Avison Ensemble on period instruments.