The Este court in Modena, where Vitali worked, was a vibrant cultural center, with Duke Francesco II's fondness for the violin making music an essential part of court life.
Composition History
The twelve Sonate a due violini e basso continuo, Op. 7, were not published but have survived in manuscript form, despite being poorly preserved and having illegible passages.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vitali's work synthesized the counterpoint-based style of the sonata da chiesa with the free melodic invention characteristic of the sonata da camera.
Recording & Production
The recording uses a modified 1/9 comma meantone temperament, derived from the Giovanni Paolo Colonna organ of 1680, originally located in the Ducal Palace of Modena.
Interpretation
The ensemble Italico Splendore uses original instruments or faithful copies, with catgut strings, philological bows, and historical keyboards, to accurately reproduce the sound nuances required by composers.
Compositional Technique
Giovanni Battista Vitali was among the first composers to introduce the minuet into the Italian suite.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Vitali, a composer, cellist, and singer, is recognized for his contributions to the codification of the Baroque sonata, particularly the sonata a tre.
You might also enjoy...
Vivaldi: Trio Sonata in C, RV 60
Parisian Quartets
Schein, J.H.: Suites Nos. 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15 and 16 (Sex Chordae Consort of Viols)
