Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713), a musician from Fusignano near Ravenna, was a virtuoso soloist, orchestral leader, and composer celebrated across Europe as the best violinist of his age.
Instruments
Szabolcs Illés, the Baroque violinist on this album, plays on a Baroque violin made by Hagen Schiffler, modeled after a Jacobus Stainer violin from 1680.
Interpretation
Szabolcs Illés, the Baroque violinist, uses a 'chin-off' technique based on historical sources, where the violin is held only by the left hand, allowing for optimal instrument resonance.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Corelli's concepts of form and expressive performing style inspired several generations of disciples and followers to compose sonatas in his style, with composers often boasting of their relationship to the master on their title pages.
Compositional Technique
Corelli's innovation included dividing sonata volumes into two parts: church sonatas with ornamented slow and contrapuntal fast movements, and free suite-like pieces with dance movements.
Historical Context
The new Italian style of violin playing, inseparable from Corelli's name, became a sought-after 'export item' across Europe, similar to Italian opera.
Recording & Production
Apart from the Arcangelo Corelli piece, all other works on this album are world premiere recordings.
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