Gibbs: Violin Sonatas, Op. 1

Featuring

Rachel Harris
Tatty Theo
Carolyn Gibley
The Brook Street Band
Joseph Gibbs

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Critical Reception

Joseph Gibbs's violin sonatas have been described as 'the finest English violin sonatas of the century' by H. Diack Johnstone.

Composer Biography

Joseph Gibbs held organist positions at St Nicholas's Church in Harwich, Dedham, and St Mary-le-Tower in Ipswich, where he remained until his death.

Composer Biography

Joseph Gibbs, the composer, was born into a musical family in Colchester in 1698; his father, John, was a City Wait, a musician associated with the town.

Performer Biography

The Brook Street Band, named after George Frideric Handel's London street, was formed in 1996-97 by Baroque cellist Tatty Theo and is known for its Handel specialism.

Composition History

Joseph Gibbs's Eight Solos for a Violin with a Thorough Bass, Op. 1, published around 1746, was sold by subscription to approximately 161 people or music societies, including notable composers like William Boyce and Maurice Greene.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Joseph Gibbs's musical style in these violin sonatas blends older 'Handelian' and Corellian styles with more modern gallant elements, including advanced chordal string writing.

Compositional Technique

Joseph Gibbs shows a fondness for variation form, featuring it in four of these sonatas, and incorporates 'Scotch snaps' reflecting popular taste and Ipswich's status as a Garrison town.