Vivaldi held posts as violin teacher and director of instrumental music at the Pio Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, a famous institution for foundlings, since September 1703.
Critical Reception
The success of Vivaldi's Op. 2 sonatas led to a handsome engraved edition in Amsterdam and a pirated edition in London.
Historical Context
Vivaldi dedicated his Op. 2 sonatas to King Frederik IV of Denmark and Norway, who visited Venice incognito in late 1708.
Composition History
Vivaldi's Op. 2 sonatas were originally announced as 'duos' for violin and cello, without continuo, a concept that seems to have been abandoned before publication.
Compositional Technique
The Op. 2 sonatas are styled as 'chamber' sonatas, drawing on the model of Corelli's influential Op. 5 set, and feature movements based on popular dance-types.
Compositional Technique
Vivaldi's Op. 2 sonatas are distinguished by their expressive manner, described as 'long-breathed and passionate to the point of obsession'.
Interpretation
This recording includes an additional movement, a Pastorale ad libitum by Nicolas Chédeville, which was published under Vivaldi's name around 1737 as part of Il pastor fido.
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