The concerto, a legacy of the stile concertato developed in Venice at the end of the 16th century, resonated throughout 18th-century Italy thanks to Antonio Vivaldi. From the Latin concertare, meaning to quarrel, to argue, the concerto, often constructed in three movements (fast-slow-fast), pits several groups of instruments against each other as they dialogue, debate and come together. An interplay emerges between the orchestral ensemble and the soloist(s), alternating between a refrain, ritornello, and various verses in which the soloist can express all his virtuosity.

When the concerto brings together two soloists, we become spectators of an incredible musical joust. In a passionate duel, the musicians measure themselves against each other, confronting each other or taking on the orchestra together. Numerous mirror games bring us the joy of perfect balance. Johann Sebastian Bach, fascinated by this apparent symmetry, composed his double concerto in D minor BWV 1043 a few years later. He incorporated his mastery of counterpoint into an incredibly expressive exchange between the two solos.

Giuliano Carmignola, a master of the baroque violin, dialogues here with Daniele Orlando and Solisti Aquilani to bring us this lively music with elegance and virtuosity.