The Best of Arcangelo Corelli: Cello Book

Paul Paradise's editing removes the barrier to accessing these essential Baroque masterworks at the string orchestra level. By combining the concertino and ripieno parts into a single cello line, Paradise makes it possible for ensembles without specialized continuo forces to experience the full harmonic and melodic architecture of Corelli's conception. The thoughtful bowings and fingerings respect period style while remaining practical for modern student cellists.

Corelli's writing speaks with unforced elegance; the lines move with the natural grace of spoken Italian, never overreaching yet always purposeful. These eight concerti offer passages of intimate dialogue alongside moments of splendid tutti richness, creating emotional depth within formal architectural clarity.

Cellists in intermediate to advanced string orchestras and quartets seeking authentic Baroque repertoire that balances musical substance with accessibility. This collection works well for ensembles that want to program major works without relying on period-instrument specialists or extensive rehearsal time to prepare difficult continuo parts.

• Establish clear articulation of the bow to distinguish between quarter-note passages and longer sustained lines; Corelli's writing benefits from crisp clarity without rushing the tempo.
• Balance the tessitura awareness with intonation; many passages move between lower and upper positions, so map your position shifts during sectional rehearsals to ensure smooth voice leading.
• Listen carefully to how the cello line supports harmonic movement in the concertino sections; these passages often frame important harmonic arrivals that should be shaped with slight dynamic emphasis.
• Work the fingerings as suggested, but adjust them if your hand position or string crossing preferences differ; Paradise's choices are educated guidance, not constraints.

Program a single Corelli concerto as a substantial concert opener or as a dignified close to a Baroque-focused season concert. The collection's variety of keys and emotional palettes allows you to pair multiple concerti within a single concert or across the school year, building student familiarity with Baroque string writing and Corelli's particular voice.

• Baroque bowing technique and articulation patterns
• Position shifts and intonation in upper registers
• Reading figured bass-influenced harmonic movement and voice leading
• Ensemble balance between solo and tutti textures
• Sustained tone production in Adagio movements
• Rhythmic precision in contrapuntal passages