William Babell's concertos show two different styles, one influenced by Vivaldi with ritornello-style first movements, and the other partly by Corelli and Handel.
Instruments
Concertos for 'fifth flute' (descant) or 'sixth flute' (descant in D) are for small recorders, named for their distance from the standard treble recorder.
Composer Biography
Robert Woodcock, a composer and amateur woodwind player, gave up government service in his early thirties to become a marine painter.
Composer Biography
William Babell, a composer and performer, was the son of a French bassoonist who emigrated to England and was known for his harpsichord arrangements of Handel arias.
Historical Context
In late 17th and early 18th century London, the recorder was not only a popular amateur instrument but also featured prominently in public concerts and theatre.
Composition History
The first advertised performance of a recorder concerto was by John Baston, a cellist and composer, in 1709.
Notable Performances
Robert Woodcock's flute concertos were the first ever to be published, preceding Vivaldi's celebrated Op. 10 concertos by a year.
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