Hyperion Records

The noble Marcello brothers were distinguished sons of Venice. Alessandro, two years older than Benedetto, was a philosopher and a mathematician as well as a composer. He died in 1750, the same year as Bach. His D minor Oboe Concerto reflects the familiar and civilized language of the Baroque and thus provides an interesting comparison to the contrasting moods of the later style of Bellini. Marcello maintains a ‘single affection’ within each movement, where contrasts of texture and volume are wrought, but not of senti­ment. The Adagio is notable, apart from its general ambience, for its upwardly-spiralling oboe theme, enhanced by distinctive ornamentation. The final Presto is delightfully light and fleet-footed and provides a felicitous ending to a most engaging piece.

from notes by Peter Lamb © 1999