Telemann, Platti, Vivaldi & Geminiani: Concerti all'arrabbiata

Taking its name from the classic Italian chili-based pasta sauce, this is an album that’s suitably full of flavour. The authentic Italian spice comes from the little-known composer Giovanni Benedetto Platti and two of the Baroque era’s stars, Vivaldi and Geminiani. They both inspire characteristically pungent playing from the Freiburger Barockorchester, drawing some terrific solo work from among its ranks while gorgeous winds complement the stylish strings. Providing starter and pudding for this five-course feast is the German Georg Philipp Telemann, who clearly knew how to work with the finest Italian ingredients. His Grillen-Symphonie (Cricket Symphony) is full of mischief and a lot of fun.