Piani, an Italian composer, lived in Paris from 1704, serving Louis-Alexandre of Bourbon, son of King Louis XIV, and later became the best-paid performer and orchestra director at the imperial court of Vienna from 1721 to at least 1757.
Compositional Technique
Piani introduced new graphic signs in his 'Avvertissement' (a preface for the performer) to indicate dynamics, expression, articulation, and ornamentation, including a 'messa di voce' for instrumental soloists.
Interpretation
The string instruments on this recording use gut strings made from ox, sheep, or similar materials, reflecting historical performance practices.
Composition History
Piani dedicated his only known collection of solo sonatas, published in Paris in 1712, to his patron Louis-Alexandre of Bourbon, Count of Toulouse and Grand Admiral of France.
Compositional Technique
Piani's 1712 sonata collection includes 12 solo sonatas for violin and basso continuo, with half of them also playable on a recorder or transverse flute.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Antonio Piani, the composer, was born in Naples in 1678 and studied violin at the Conservatory della Pietà dei Turchini.
Interpretation
The recording features a baroque violin made by Bruno Costardi, a baroque cello by Cesare Castelli, and an 18th-century spinettone by Ferruccio Fabro, among other period instruments.
You might also enjoy...
Biber, Schmelzer, Mealli, Böddecker
1723: Bach, Bertali, Biber, Corelli & Pisendel
Fontana: Complete Sonatas for Violin and B.C.
Intuitions
Biber: Unam Ceylum
Chameleon
Telemann, G.P.: Essercizii Musici - Solos and Nos. 7-12
Defense de la basse de viole contre les entreprises du violon et les pretentions du violoncelle
Extravagantes Seicento: Sonatas for Violon and Viola da Gamba at the Habsburg Court
