Locatelli’s Op 4 in fact consists of two quite distinct sets of pieces, six Introduttioni Teatrali and six Concerti. It is not clear whether the title of the ‘theatrical introductions’ should be taken literally, but certainly the works are composed in a striking manner such as would be expected for an overture fighting to catch the attention of a restless audience.
The second half of the set consists of six concertos whose rhapsodic character contrasts with the carefully structured style of the Introduttioni. These works have differing numbers of movements and Locatelli exploits this greater freedom to include a wide range of virtuosic motifs and textural experiments.
'Once again a Raglan triumph … Given these excellent performances I've a hunch that Locatelli has a fighting chance to make the composers' Premier League' (Classic CD)
'The Raglan Baroque Players and Elizabeth Wallfisch are doing great service to the music of Locatelli. This excellent band … seem to revel in the fertile invention and sheer ebullience of the music, making it spring to life from the printed page. I found myself effortlessly carried along by the exuberance of Wallfisch's direction and the lively response of the players. An invigorating release' (BBC Music Magazine)
dawniej CDA 67041/2 / Recording details: June 1996; St Michael's Church, Highgate, London, United Kingdom; Produced by Martin Compton; Engineered by Antony Howell & Julian Millard; Release date: April 2009;
