This new release from Arcana explores the “empfindsamer Stil” (“sentimental” or “sensitive” style) of the mid-18th century, featuring works by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and Georg Benda. Harpsichordist and director Francesco Corti leads Il Pomo d’Oro in a program that showcases the stylistic evolution from Baroque formalism to a more expressive and unpredictable musical language. The selection includes two concertos by Georg Benda, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s Sinfonia in D minor and Concerto in D major, C.P.E. Bach’s Les Folies d’Espagne with 12 Variations, and an Andante from his Sonatina Wq 103.
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The highlight of the album is the pair of harpsichord concertos by Georg Benda (1722-1795), in F minor and B minor. These works, rarely heard in performance, display the composer’s ability to blend virtuosic keyboard writing with sophisticated orchestral textures. Corti brings expressive clarity to these pieces, particularly in the interplay between the harpsichord and orchestra. The second movement of the B minor Concerto is especially effective, capturing the elegance and fluidity of Benda’s style.
Throughout the album, Corti’s playing is stylish and nuanced, always attentive to the shifting moods of the music. The phrasing in the slower sections, such as the Larghetto con sordini from Benda’s F minor Concerto or the Andante from C.P.E. Bach’s Sonatina, is particularly well-shaped, allowing for natural expressiveness without losing structural clarity. The recording itself enhances these qualities with a finely judged balance that keeps the harpsichord distinct while maintaining a seamless blend with the ensemble.
Il Pomo d’Oro provides alert and stylish support, responding with precision to Corti’s direction. The ensemble’s phrasing and articulation reflect a keen awareness of period style, avoiding exaggeration while maintaining a sense of energy and rhythmic suppleness. The recording, captured in Sala della Carità, Padua, is rich in detail yet naturally resonant, reinforcing the refined interplay between soloist and orchestra.
At 77 minutes, the program is generous, offering a well-rounded portrait of this fascinating musical period. With compelling performances and an intelligently curated selection of repertoire, this is one of the most enjoyable and intriguing releases of its kind in recent memory.
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Album Details |
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|---|---|
| Album name | The Age of Extremes |
| Label | Arcana |
| Catalogue No. | A573 |
| Amazon Music link | Stream here |
| Apple Music link | Stream here |
| Artists | Francesco Corti, Il Pomo d’Oro |
