Charles Avison was long neglected, but is now being recognised as one of
the most brilliant and accomplished English composers of the 18th
century. These recently discovered 12 Concerti are based on Geminiani's
opus 1 violin sonatas, are played on period instruments and are recorded
here for the first time by the Avison Ensemble which has itself made a
reputation as one of the finest instrumental ensembles in Europe.
2 CDs on Divine Art, dda 21210. Release date April 2007. Total Playing Time 99:28.What reviewers said about our Avison Concertos after Geminiani recording:
"This is music of outstanding quality. The performances are
outstanding. The band is richly sonorous; the ensemble is faultless;
the tempi are seemingly infallibly judged; the phrasing is subtle and
expressive; and virtuoso solos are dispatched with aplomb. What more
could one possibly want? They must surely be one of the finest baroque
ensembles now in existence." Early Music News
"The performances of this immensely appealing set of concertos are
outstanding. The Avison Ensemble includes some of Britain’s finest
period instrument players, but what is remarkable is the rich depth of
the playing. The broad sonority of some of the movements of the da
chiesa concertos is especially impressive. An exceptional issue in every
way." Goldberg Early Music Review
"This two-CD set is a delight from start to finish. The playing is brisk
and light, the textures clear and the overall ensemble well nigh
perfect. Beznosiuk is on stunning form (when is he not?), his fresh,
improvisatory approach well suited to communicating a sense of adventure
and discovery in what is “new” Early Music. Recorded sound and overall presentation are also of the utmost quality. I
recall being deeply impressed with the Avison Ensemble’s Naxos
releases; this latest enterprise only confirms that here, surely, is a
band whose strength of vision and outstanding artistry would have
pleased not only its namesake but also Geminiani, beyond all measure." International Record Review