The performers chose to use a fortepiano, an early piano, for two of the sonatas, as it was popular at the Prussian court and Benda likely used such instruments.
Composer Biography
Benda was significantly influenced by a blind Jewish violinist named Lebel, who composed his own pieces and played with exceptional purity in the high range.
Composer Biography
Benda served Frederick the Great, the Prussian Crown Prince and later King, for 53 years, teaching violin and voice, and even singing arias for the king.
Composer Biography
Benda's beautiful voice led him to Dresden, but after losing it due to illness, he returned to Prague and made a living as a dance violinist, dulcimer player, and oboist.
Compositional Technique
The sonatas on this album are from a unique manuscript in Berlin that includes written-out ornaments for all movements, even the fast ones, often with multiple ornamented versions.
Compositional Technique
Benda, though trained as a singer, was largely self-taught as a violinist and composer, developing a unique style that integrated vocal elements into his violin playing.
Composer Biography
Franz Benda, the composer, was born in a Bohemian village to a musically active linen weaver and began his musical training as a talented boy soprano.
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