The recording features historical instruments, including an original late 1600s Venetian violin, an original 1703 viola da gamba by Edward Lewis, and a one-keyed granadilla flute replica.
Historical Context
Roman's royal permission to study abroad was delayed due to Sweden's involvement in the Great Northern War, which made music a low national priority.
Performer Biography
Flauguissimo, the ensemble on this album, was founded by flautist Yu-Wei Hu and guitarist/theorbo-player Johan Löfving while studying at the Royal College of Music in London.
Composer Biography
Johan Helmich Roman, often called 'The Father of Swedish Music', began his career as a violinist and oboist at the Royal Chapel in Stockholm.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The title of this album, 'To the Northern Star', pays homage to the Swedish royal couple and the Age of Enlightenment, under which Roman's musical talents flourished.
Compositional Technique
Roman's flute sonatas feature varied movements, often pairing graceful melodies with stark harmonic contrasts, and include Renaissance dances like 'Piva' and 'Villanella'.
Composition History
Roman's twelve sonatas for flute and basso continuo, dedicated to his patron Queen Ulrica Eleonora, were his only published work during his lifetime.
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