This album, "Duello D'archi a Venezia," creates an imaginary 'battle of the bows' between four prominent 18th-century Venetian violinists: Vivaldi, Veracini, Tartini, and Locatelli.
Compositional Technique
The violin became an 'ideal weapon' for demonstrating virtuosity and technical prowess, with cadenzas and caprices serving as key elements for a flamboyant style.
Historical Context
After Arcangelo Corelli's death in 1713, Venice became a hub for intense rivalries among violinists, marked by sarcastic exchanges and bitter criticism.
Composer Biography
Francesco Maria Veracini, another composer on this album, was known for his eccentric character and once threw himself out of a window after an argument with Pisendel.
Compositional Technique
Vivaldi was a pioneer in composing dizzying violin solos, and his works influenced later composers like Locatelli, whose virtuosic caprices inspired Paganini.
Performer Biography
Chouchane Siranossian, the violinist on this recording, is a leading Baroque virtuoso who performs on both modern and Baroque violins and has received numerous awards for her recordings.
Composer Biography
Antonio Vivaldi, a composer featured on this album, was once called a 'bad violinist' by Tartini, while Vivaldi considered Tartini's style 'superficial'.
