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It may seem surprising: can 10 discs really contain all of Arcangelo Corelli's output? They can, and do, but the surprise is merited, for the influence and reputation of these works far outstrips their quantity (and how often can one say that of a Barock composer!). On display here is the apogee of Barock form as displayed in the genres of Solo Sonatas, Trio Sonatas and Concerti Grossi, full of sparkling virtuosity and an intimate knowledge and love of the violin and its potential as a solo instrument.

The influence was felt most immediately in Rome, where he was based for his adult life, but publication of these collections soon earned him a name across Europe, as much as his prowess as a solo violinist did; for this was the golden age of the composer as creator, when composition went hand in hand with performance. Of course there is plenty more music Corelli composed which hasn't survived, or at least not on manuscripts with his name on them, for Corelli as an impresario frequently staged oratorios to which he would have contributed sinfonias and instrumental numbers.

What survives is never less than highly polished; often bold, and continually inventive, as is more than evident in these performances from a welcome and uniform perspective by a leading Dutch period-instrument ensemble. And it's unique; there is no other Corelli box on the market, nor has such a project ever been attempted before or since.

Arcangelo Corelli (1653–1713) was nothing less than a musical pioneer, a champion of the violin’s potential as a solo instrument and an immense influence on the composers who followed him, J.S. Bach and Handel included. As a virtuoso violinist, he wielded an unprecedented level of skill; as a composer, he was enormously popular throughout Europe.

Although the Italian composer’s legacy has been somewhat overshadowed in modern times, the 12 Concerti Grossi that comprise this recording are thoroughly worthy of rediscovery, and earned Corelli the description of ‘father of the concerto grosso’.

Indeed, he was one of the first composers to use the term, and established many of the genre’s recognisable features. The mixture of concerti da chiesa (church concertos, which alternate slow and fast tempi) and concerti da camera (chamber concertos, similar to the dance suite) demonstrates the imagination, innovation and versatility that his fellow composers so admired.

Although the vast popularity that Corelli enjoyed in his lifetime may have declined over the centuries, the influence of his 12 Concerti Grossi is undeniable, and can be felt in later concertos by composers like Geminiani and Vivaldi, not to mention Handel’s majestic Concerti Grossi Op.6. Drawn from Brilliant Classics’ criticallyacclaimed edition of Corelli’s complete works, there is much for listeners to discover and enjoy in these recordings, which feature outstanding readings by a leading period-instrument ensemble, Musica Amphion, led from the harpsichord by Pieter-Jan Belder.

This is a sequel to the 3-CD album with the Viennese sonatas by Clementi released last year. Fortepianist Costantino Mastroprimiano now continues with the composer’s earliest sonatas. They range from really early ones – Clementi may have been only 11 when he wrote the first piece – to mature and technically demanding works. At twelve and already an organist at the churches of Rome Italian Muzio Clementi was taken to England by a ‘patron’. This Peter Beckford was the dedicatee of Clementi’s first set of published works. They are sonatas which are musically uncomplicated. This issue also comprises Clementi’s Opera I and II, sets of sonatas composed after his extremely busy period with Beckford, studying and performing as a virtuoso pianist. Especially the three works for solo piano from Opera II are of exceptional virtuosity for that time (1779) and reflect Clementi’s own dexterity. Once again fortepianist Costantino Mastroprimiano takes the listener on an interesting journey through mostly unknown territory.

Brilliant Classics presents a fantastic set of popular Baroque music at super budget price. These 25 CDs feature energetic performances and thoroughly researched interpretations by specialist early music ensembles.