Alessandro Marcello

Adagio

Alessandro Ignazio Marcello (1673 - 1747) was an Italian nobleman and composer. He was a contemporary of Tomaso Albinoni and composed and published several sets of concertos, including six concertos under the title of 'La Cetra' (The Lyre), as well as cantatas, arias, canzonets, and violin sonatas. Although most of his works are infrequently performed today, Marcello is regarded as a very competent composer. The 'Concerto for Oboe and Strings' is perhaps his best-known work. Its worth was also affirmed by Johann Sebastian Bach who transcribed it for harpsichord (BWV 974). Especially the 'Adagio' from this concerto became very poplar on its own and is used in many commercials and movies. Italian arranger Dietmar Rainer arranged this beautiful 'Adagio' now for Symphonic Band.