Tomaso Albinoni, the composer of these sonatas, came from a wealthy Venetian family of entrepreneurs and merchants, and from a young age, he dedicated himself to studying violin, singing, and composition.
Performer Biography
The Ensemble Barocco Padovano Sans Souci, founded in 1986 by Giuseppe Nalin and Aldo Fiorentin, is known for its use of period instruments and its focus on music from the mid-17th to late 18th centuries, including unexplored vocal-instrumental works.
Performer Biography
Mario Folena, the flautist on this album, debuted as a soloist in 1978 under J.E. Gardiner and was praised by Jean-Pierre Rampal for his superb technique, generous sound, and extraordinary gift for improvisation in early music.
Composer Biography
Albinoni, the composer, was initially a non-professional musician, which led to him being referred to as a 'dilettante' alongside other talented composers like Francesco Antonio Bonporti and the Marcello brothers in early 18th-century Venice.
Composition History
Albinoni's 'Trattenimenti Armonici' Op. 6, a collection of twelve chamber sonatas for violin and basso continuo, was published by the famous Dutch company Roger and Le Cène in Amsterdam, likely between 1710 and 1712.
Cultural Impact
The success of Albinoni's 'Trattenimenti Armonici' Op. 6 is shown by its republication in London in 1718 and 1732, and by the existence of three anonymous 18th-century transcriptions for flute.
Interpretation
This recording features six of Albinoni's Op. 6 sonatas performed on a one-key transverse baroque flute, reflecting the practice of early flautists who adapted violin compositions for their instrument.
