The first violin on this recording is a Giuseppe Gagliano from 1777, and the second violin is an Antonius and Hieronimus Amati from 1627.
Composer Biography
Francesco Antonio Bonporti, the composer, was born in Trento in 1672 and studied theology in Rome, where he also took composition lessons.
Compositional Technique
Bonporti's Op. 2 Sonatas for two violins, violone, and basso continuo, are chamber sonatas, typically featuring a short prelude followed by three dances.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bonporti, of noble birth, cultivated music as an amateur throughout his life, defining himself as a 'gentleman from Trento' and 'music amateur' on his printed works.
Interpretation
Accademia I Filarmonici, the ensemble on this recording, performs Baroque and pre-Romantic repertoire without a conductor, with the first violin leading, to restore the role of the Konzertmeister.
Composition History
Four of Bonporti's compositions were mistakenly attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, appearing in a Bach edition, until scholars in the early 20th century identified them as Bonporti's works transcribed by Bach.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bonporti's instrumental works are noted for their originality in language and formal structure, not fitting neatly into any of the Italian instrumental music schools of his time.
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