Tomaso Albinoni, a composer featured on this album, was a 'sleeping partner' in his family's playing card manufacturing business.
Historical Context
Three composers on this recording, Gentili, Albinoni, and Caldara, had links to the court of Mantua under its last duke, Ferdinando Carlo Gonzaga, showing the wide reach of Venetian instrumental style.
Recording & Production
This recording uses a proprietary microphone technique called ECA, developed by the sound engineer for maximum sound fidelity and precise instrument positioning.
Compositional Technique
The sonatas on this album illustrate the expansion of violin and cello technique, including the growing importance of cross-string arpeggiated figuration.
Compositional Technique
The music on this album reflects the rationalization of musical structure, moving towards orderly four-movement schemes (slow-fast-slow-fast) popularized by Corelli's trio sonatas.
Composer's Artistic Vision
This album explores the 'other' Venice: a city that was multifarious, individualistic, and extremely talented in its musical output.
Historical Context
Venetian cultural life encouraged innovation and experimentation due to its nature as a republic with dispersed political power and broad international connections through trade and tourism.
