The Avsion Ensemble - Handel: Concerti Grossi Opus 6 - Classical Music

The Avison Ensemble has for several years been charming our ears with recordings of music by the Newcastle composer from whim it takes its name. Now it turns it attention to one of the greatest of all concerto sets, Handel's Opus 6. The spontaneity, variety and fluency of ideas are endlessly diverting and full of humour, wit and Handelian tenderness. Violinist and director, Pavlo Beznosiuk avoids anything in the nature of exaggerated gesture, preferring to capitalise upon the natural spaciousness and inherent grace of the music. If, on occasion he just fails to realise the sheer exuberance of some competitors then there is generous compensation in the ensemble's intuitive grasp of elegant phrasing and breadth of contour. Handel's expressive language developed through his experience in the theatre, and the range is both extended and vivid in contrast. The Avison Ensemble responds to it with affective warmth and communicative amiability. A satisfying set, pleasingly recorded.