Locatelli Concerto Grosso Op 1 No 5

Locatelli: Concerto Grosso Op. 1 No. 5 (with realised Harpsichord Part)

The D major of Op. 1 No. 5 gives the work an assertiveness that the other concerti in the set don't quite match. Where Locatelli can be lyrical and contained, here he pushes outward: the opening movements have weight and forward drive, and the solo writing for the concertino carries a brightness that suits the key well.

The concerto grosso structure is the same as elsewhere in Op. 1: two solo violins and solo cello form the concertino, set against the full ripieno strings. The dialogue between the two groups is more contrasted in this work than in some of its companions, with the concertino passages feeling genuinely distinct in texture and character from the orchestral tuttis. Across the five movements, the balance shifts between expansive slow writing and more rhythmically driven outer movements.

At eleven minutes it sits comfortably as a substantial Baroque offering in a concert programme, long enough to give the piece room to develop without overstaying its welcome.

This edition is prepared from the original score by Paul Wood, who has also provided a fully realised harpsichord continuo part.

Key features:

• Concerto grosso form with concertino (2 solo violins, solo cello) and ripieno string orchestra
• Fully realised harpsichord continuo part included
• From the XII Concerti Grossi, Op. 1
• Edited and realised by Paul Wood
• Duration: approx. 11 minutes

Who it's for: String orchestras looking for substantial Baroque repertoire with solo opportunities built into the fabric of the work, where the concertmaster and principal cellist can step forward without the piece becoming a concerto.