Locatelli's violin writing in "L'Arte del Violino" pushed the boundaries of technique, requiring the hand to reach the seventeenth position, whereas contemporary treatises only described seven positions.
Instruments
The soloist, Luca Fanfoni, performs on a violin made by the famous Venetian luthier Francesco Gobetti in 1713.
Compositional Technique
The 'Caprices' in Locatelli's "L'Arte del Violino" are described as "long and very difficult" and often exceed the length of the movements they are embedded in, frequently followed by an improvised Cadenza.
Critical Reception
Locatelli's "L'Arte del Violino" has enjoyed almost uninterrupted success since its publication, with particular interest in its Caprices during the 19th and 20th centuries for conservatory study.
Composition History
Pietro Antonio Locatelli's "L'Arte del Violino" was published in June 1733 by Michel Charles Le Cène in Amsterdam, and was considered one of the most ambitious publishing feats of its time.
Recording & Production
This recording uses Albert Dunning's critical edition of Locatelli's 12 Concertos, Op. 3, aiming to restore the composer's original intent, including playing the Caprices in their entirety, which were often abridged in the past.
Cultural Impact
Niccolò Paganini's 24 Caprices, Op. 1 (circa 1820), are considered an ideal continuation of Locatelli's legacy, expanding on the violin's expressive resources.
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Locatelli: L'arte del violino, Complete Violin Concertos
