Concerts for the Prince of Poland, 1725 Work: Violin Concerto in C major, 'Il piacere' Op.8 No.6, RV 180 "Il piacere" (Pleasure), First Publication 1725 in Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione, Op.8 (No.6) The sixth in the set, the Concerto in C major for violin soloist plus strings and basso continuo, RV 180, named "Il piacere" (Pleasures), is fully as charming as the Four Seasons. The opening Allegro has a graceful and vigorous theme for the ripieno alternating with virtuoso passages for the soloists. The central Largo has a quietly pensive theme for the ripieno alternating with melancholy and meditative episodes for the soloist. The closing Allegro is more muscular and more dance-like than the opening Allegro, with a hammering theme shared by the ripieno and the soloist. What any of this has to do with pleasures is anyone's guess, but that it gives pleasure is incontestable.
VIDEO: Andrew Manze, violin & director Academy of Ancient Music
