Caldara was a skilled instrumentalist, appearing in payrolls as a player of both the 'viola da spalla' and 'violoncino' at St. Mark's between 1688 and 1695.
Compositional Technique
The cello sonatas showcase Caldara's deep understanding of the instrument, with virtuosity serving the musical expression and technical challenges often focused on bowing.
Composer Biography
Antonio Caldara, born around 1670 in Venice, was a highly celebrated composer during his lifetime, particularly in the last two decades of his life.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Caldara strongly identified as a cellist, even signing himself as 'Musico di Violoncello veneto' on the title page of his Opus 1 trio sonatas.
Composition History
The cello sonatas on this album were commissioned in 1735 by Rudolf Franz Erwein, Baron von Schönborn-Wiesentheid, an amateur cellist and music collector.
Composer Biography
Caldara's father, Giuseppe, was a violinist and theorbo player at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and likely provided Antonio's initial musical education.
Critical Reception
Despite his immense fame during his lifetime, Antonio Caldara's image has inexplicably faded in the history of music.
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Veracini: XII Sonate a violino solo e basso, Op. I
