The Sinfonia in A major features a solo keyboard concerto in its last movement, which may be the earliest ever written, predating Handel's organ concertos by several years.
Recording & Production
The performers on this recording chose not to use ripieno violins because the original ripieno parts by publisher Walsh were inconsistent and likely not composed by Babell.
Performer Biography
Ensemble Odyssee, the group performing on this album, won Amsterdam's prestigious International Van Wassenaer Concours in 2011 as a chamber group.
Critical Reception
Babell's contemporaries were divided on his musical skill; Mattheson considered him a greater organ virtuoso than Handel, while Burney criticized his focus on mere technical perfection.
Composer Biography
William Babell (c. 1690-1723) is primarily known for his technically challenging harpsichord arrangements of Handel arias.
Composition History
Publisher Walsh posthumously compiled Babell's concertos for 'sixth flute' into a single collection around 1726, though Babell likely did not intend them as such.
Composition History
Babell's Concertos Op. 3 are among the earliest English examples of solo concertos with string accompaniment, alongside works by Robert Woodcock and John Baston.
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