‘Opus 1 & 3: Church Sonatas’ is the final recording in the Avison Ensemble’s welcome undertaking to record Corelli’s complete chamber music in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the composer’s death.

A fittingly satisfying finale to the series, Corelli’s church sonatas are exquisite, highly refined compositions representing a high point of Italian Baroque instrumental music.

Corelli’s contribution to the history of violin performance was immense. All six of his published collections of instrumental music demonstrate his exceptional skill as a violinist and composer.

This series has been greeted with wide critical acclaim: Opus 2 & 4 was named ‘Recording of the Month’ by Musicweb International which also named Opus 6 a 2012 ‘Recording of the Year’, whilst Opus 5 was awarded 4½ stars by BBC Music Magazine who praised Beznosiuk’s ‘intuitively musical performances’.

Formed in 1985, the Avison Ensemble has attracted great critical acclaim. The Guardian commented: ‘I’d take the Avison Ensemble over Karajan…any day’.

The Avison Ensemble comprises some of Europe's leading Baroque musicians, including artists from The Hague, Germany, France, Austria and London, with international soloists from all over the globe.

Pavlo Beznosiuk, the UK's foremost Baroque violin virtuoso, is in demand as a soloist and orchestral leader, performing regularly with the Academy of Ancient Music and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

“sincere and poised accounts, a fitting tribute to the ‘chaste and faultless’ character of the composer and his music.” – Chamber Choice: BBC Music Magazine

“A fine conclusion to a tercentennial survey of the Baroque master.” – The Strad