Vitali: Varie Sonate alla Francese & all'Itagliana à sei Stromenti, Op. 11

Featuring

Italico Splendore
Giovanni Battista Vitali

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Compositional Technique

Vitali's work synthesizes the counterpoint of the sonata da chiesa with the free melodic invention of the sonata da camera, and he was among the first to introduce the minuet into the Italian suite.

Composer Biography

Giovanni Battista Vitali, a composer, cellist, and singer, is recognized for his contributions to codifying the Baroque sonata, especially the sonata a tre.

Compositional Technique

The sonatas on this album, Vitali's Op. 11, are a sophisticated blend of Italian and French styles, with dance forms like balletti, gavotte, and sarabanda always present in the composer's mind.

Composer Biography

Giovanni Battista Vitali was an assistant Kapellmeister to Duke Francesco II at the Este Court in Modena, a position he held for the rest of his life after being replaced as Kapellmeister.

Interpretation

The ensemble Italico Splendore uses original instruments or faithful copies, catgut strings, philological bows, and historical keyboards to accurately reproduce the sound nuances required by composers.

Instruments

The instruments used in this recording include a P.G. Mantegazza violin, an A. Guarneri violin, and a F. Gagliano cello, among other period instruments or faithful copies.

Recording & Production

The opening Sinfonia per Camera à 6, originally at the end of the collection, was moved to the beginning of this recording due to its intense and emotionally charged character.