Composer

:

Arcangelo Corelli

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Publication Date

:

1685

Average_duration

:

70:25

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Arcangelo Corelli's 'Sonate da camera a tre (12), for 2 violins & violone, Op. 2' is a collection of twelve chamber sonatas composed in the Baroque era. The sonatas were published in Rome in 1685 and were dedicated to Cardinal Benedetto Pamphili. The premiere of the sonatas is not recorded, but they were likely performed in private concerts for aristocratic patrons. The sonatas are divided into four groups of three, each with its own key and character. The first group is in D major and features lively dance movements such as the corrente and giga. The second group is in G minor and has a more somber and introspective mood, with slow movements such as the adagio and sarabande. The third group is in A major and is characterized by its virtuosic violin writing and fast movements such as the allegro and presto. The final group is in F major and features a mix of dance and virtuosic movements. The sonatas are scored for two violins and a violone, which is a type of bass viol. The violone provides a rich and resonant bass line, while the two violins engage in intricate and expressive dialogue. Corelli's writing for the violin is particularly notable for its use of ornamentation and virtuosic flourishes, which were influential in the development of the solo violin repertoire. Overall, the 'Sonate da camera a tre' is a masterful example of Baroque chamber music, showcasing Corelli's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally expressive. The sonatas remain popular among performers and audiences today, and are an important part of the Baroque repertoire.

More....