Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8

This piece is one of twelve concerti grossi published in 1714 and is one of Corelli’s most famous
works. Subtitled “Fatto per la notte di Natale” (i.e., for Christmas night), it was probably
composed in 1690 for Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni. This work is scored as a “concerto grosso” for
strings and continuo, in which a “solo” group (here, two violins and one ‘cello) play in contrast
with the rest of the strings (the “ripieno”).

This concerto features five contrasting movements. A quick opening Vivace leads to a slow
Grave, replete with suspensions. The following Allegro contrasts the solo instruments with the
ripieno, with suspensions in the two solo violins and florid solo ‘cello passages. The melodic
Adagio movement, featuring the solo instruments, is interrupted by a sudden quick “ripieno”
section before reprising its slow opening. After a spritely Vivace, a fiery Allegro movement
highlights fast passages in the first solo violin. It connects directly with the concluding
Pastorale, written in a slow contemplative manner, with unison drones evoking shepherds in the
fields on Christmas Eve.