The composers Vitali and Colombi often used 'scordatura' (retuning of strings) and 'capricci' (caprices) that imitated trumpets, a common practice for violinists in the 17th century.
Instruments
The recording features two historic violins: an Andrea Amati (Cremona) from 1572 for tracks 1-22, and an Anonymous Amati (Brescia) from around 1570 for tracks 23-26.
Compositional Technique
Giovanni Battista Vitali, a violone or bass cello player, composed brilliant solo works for both his own instrument and the violin, mirroring each other in scale and structure.
Interpretation
The performer, Peter Sheppard Skærved, adopted an 'austere approach' to elaboration and embellishment on this album, limiting ornaments to preserve the original material.
Composition History
None of the music by Vitali and Colombi on this album was published during their lifetimes, but much of it is preserved in the same loose copyist's hand.
Historical Context
The court orchestra in Modena was revived in 1671 for Duke Francesco II d'Este, a talented violinist and enthusiast of music.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Vitali (1632-1692) and Giuseppe Colombi (1635-1694) both worked in the court orchestra of Francesco II d'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio.
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