Benedetto Marcello, a noble Venetian composer, was also governor of Pula for the Serenissima (the Republic of Venice) before finishing his career in Brescia.
Instruments
In the 16th century, Venice had a flourishing handcraft for recorders, with Michael Praetorius noting in 1619 that a whole consort of recorders could be bought there for 80 thalers.
Composition History
The sonata collections by Benedetto Marcello and Paolo Benedetto Bellinzani are important for being among the first sonatas published in Italy completely dedicated to the recorder.
Historical Context
The recorder has a long history inextricably linked to Venice, where it achieved remarkable success due to its simplicity and versatility in imitating the human voice.
Interpretation
The recording includes an arrangement of Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto in A minor, Op. 3, No. 8, originally for two violins and orchestra, transposed to D minor and enriched with cello and violone for a greater orchestral effect.
Performer Biography
Manuel Tomadin, the harpsichordist and organist on this album, won the Grand Prix d'ECHO in 2011 at the Alkmaar Schnitger Competition.
Compositional Technique
The sonatas by Marcello and Bellinzani take Arcangelo Corelli's famous Opera V sonatas as a model, both compositionally and in their use of variations on a Basso Ostinato.
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