Tomaso Albinoni's 12 Trio sonatas Op. 1 receive their premiere recordings on CD on this new specially priced CPO issue. For the most part they...

Tomaso Albinoni's 12 Trio sonatas Op. 1 receive their premiere recordings on CD on this new specially priced CPO issue. For the most part they are highly spirited works similar in style to that of Albinoni's contemporaries Antonio Vivaldi and Francesco Veracini--though more indebted to the old master of this form, Arcangelo Corelli. However, even listeners with a passing familiarity with this composer will recognize some unique Albinonian qualities. For example, the opening movement of trio sonata No. 6, marked "Grave", moves with an elegance unmistakably characteristic of the composer of the famous Adagio.

The ever-reliable German original instrument ensemble Parnassi Musici (whose recording of Dominico Gallo's trio sonatas for CPO was one of last year's great surprises) performs these minor masterpieces beautifully. CPO's sound is exemplary and the set includes informative historical notes. Albinoni fans will need no encouragement; others looking for a collection of Italian Baroque trio sonatas that rank with the best would do well to consider this offering.
--John Greene, ClassicsToday.com