The Six Serenades, Op. 23, were composed in London during Viotti's unsuccessful venture into wine trading, providing him with a much-needed additional source of income.
Cultural Impact
Viotti's solo works were foundational for the French violin school and served as admired stylistic models for many composers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Viotti composed around fifty duets for two violins, a genre popular in the late 18th century, becoming an acknowledged master of it.
Composition History
Viotti's duets, often titled "Grands Duos Concertants," were typically dedicated to close friends and acquaintances, indicating their private, non-concert performance purpose and often didactic nature.
Performer Biography
Duo Deschka, the performing duo on this album, is named after the initials of the two violinists, Dina Schneiderman and Emil Kamilarov.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Viotti, a celebrated violinist and composer, fled Paris for England during the French Revolution due to his connections with aristocratic circles, including Queen Marie Antoinette.
Composition History
The Six Serenades, Op. 23, are dedicated to the Duke of Cambridge, possibly reflecting Viotti's desire for financial support during a period of economic difficulty.
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