Schmelzer's Sonatæ unarum fidium (Sonatas for one violin) were printed in Nuremberg in 1664 and dedicated to Cardinal Carlo Caraffa, the papal nuncio in Vienna.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in December 2020 at the Altomontesaal, Stift St. Florian, Austria.
Compositional Technique
Schmelzer's Sonatæ unarum fidium pushed the boundaries of violin technique, inventing new bow strokes and extending the left hand to the highest positions on the fingerboard.
Historical Context
The sombre and pensive mood in Schmelzer's music may reflect the terrible events of his time, including the Ottoman Wars and repeated plague epidemics.
Composer Biography
Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, the composer, was born around 1620-23 as the son of a baker in Scheibbs, Lower Austria.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schmelzer's collection of violin sonatas quickly gained admiration throughout Europe and became a template for later generations of violinist-composers.
Composer Biography
Schmelzer was the first Austrian to hold the post of Court Kapellmeister, following a series of Italians, but he held the position for barely five months before succumbing to the plague.
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