Each sonata in Vitali's Op. 8 is titled with the surname of a noble family from the Modena area, serving as an homage to the circles in which he worked.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Vitali, the composer, was a cellist and singer, known for his contributions to the codification of the Baroque sonata, especially the sonata a tre.
Compositional Technique
Vitali's Op. 8 sonatas include experiments like connecting movements with harmonic formulas, applying dance rhythms, and using variation techniques.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Vitali served at the Este Court in Modena as one of the two assistant Kapellmeisters to Duke Francesco II, a period that was the most fruitful for his musical production.
Interpretation
The ensemble Italico Splendore uses original or faithful copies of period instruments, catgut strings, and historical bows to accurately reproduce the sound nuances required by composers.
Compositional Technique
Giovanni Battista Vitali was one of the first composers to introduce the minuet into the Italian suite.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vitali's work is a synthesis of the counterpoint-based style of the sonata da chiesa and the free melodic invention of the sonata da camera.
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