Per Pisendel: Violin Sonatas

Featuring

Emilio Percan
GAP Ensemble
Antonio Vivaldi

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Instruments

The instruments used for this recording include a violin made by Johannes Loescher in 2010, a violoncello by Dietmar Rexhausen from 2008, and a Flemish harpsichord by Marc Ducornet from 2003.

Composition History

Vivaldi dedicated five violin sonatas and six concertos to Johann Georg Pisendel, indicating a strong professional and friendly relationship.

Composer Biography

Johann Georg Pisendel, the concertmaster in Dresden, was considered one of the leading violinists and orchestral teachers of his time.

Recording & Production

The G.A.P. Ensemble, founded in 2012, is named after Giovanni Antonio Piani, an 18th-century Italian violin virtuoso, reflecting the ensemble's shared interest in his works.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Vivaldi's dedication 'fatto per M. Pisendel' (made for Maestro Pisendel) signifies that he viewed Pisendel as an equal colleague, not just a pupil or customer.

Compositional Technique

The five Pisendel sonatas are original manuscripts with Vivaldi's corrections and alterations, suggesting they were personal gifts between friends rather than formal commissions.

Compositional Technique

Only four movements across the five sonatas have tempo headings, as Vivaldi trusted Pisendel's ability to interpret the character and tempo without explicit instructions.