Despite being a composer almost exclusively of instrumental music, Tartini considered text sacrosanct, often including mottos or whole stanzas from poetry in his works.
Performer Biography
Adrian Chandler, the violinist and director of La Serenissima, was awarded the honour of 'Cavaliere' of the Order of the Star of Italy in 2022 for his services to Italian baroque music.
Composition History
Tartini's famous 'Devil's Trill' sonata is said to have been inspired by a dream where he made a pact with the devil, who played a sonata so wonderful it left him enraptured.
Composer Biography
Giuseppe Tartini, the composer, was initially destined for the priesthood and studied law at the University of Padua, but spent much of his time improving his fencing skills.
Interpretation
Tartini's accompanying letter for his 26 Piccole Sonate states they can be performed either alone or with cello accompaniment, with the composer preferring the unaccompanied option, and both are featured on this recording.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School, Somerset, UK, with different tracks recorded in August 2021 and October 2023.
Composer Biography
Tartini married Elisabetta Premazore, the mistress of Cardinal Giorgio Cornaro, which caused fury and forced him to flee to a Franciscan monastery in Assisi.
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