From the library
of Pisendel
Johann Georg Pisendel (1687–1755), one of the greatest violinists of the 18th century and renowned Konzertmeister of the Dresden court orchestra during the reign of the enlightened monarch Frederick Augustus II (1696–1763), is considered a pivotal figure between the Italian and German violin schools.
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Among the hundreds of compositions for various ensembles that Pisendel left behind, his sonatas for violin and basso continuo stand out both in number and in quality.
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This collection is remarkable for its extraordinary stylistic variety, reflecting his cosmopolitan and eclectic musical education.
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During my years of study at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, having developed a deep fascination with Pisendel, his personality, his works, and his life, I gradually analyzed, transcribed, and catalogued a significant portion of his invaluable archive.
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From this collection, Julio Caballero Pérez and I have selected some of the works we found most interesting and representative, thus creating the program presented in this CD.
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New Release
Program
Anonymous
(Königl. Priv.-Musikaliensammlung, Dresda)
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Sonata in G minor, for violin and basso continuo *
Adagio
without tempo indication
Adagio
Giga
T. Albinoni
(1671-1751)
Sonata in B flat major, for violin and basso continuo
Adagio
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro
F.M. Veracini
(1690-1768)
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Sonata in E minor, for violin and basso continuo, Op.I n.6
Fantasia – Allegro
Allemanda
Pastorale
Giga
J. Caballero Pérez
(1995-)
Prelude to the Sonata of Pisendel, for solo cembalo
J.G. Pisendel
(1687-1755)
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Sonata in D major, for violin and basso continuo
Allegro
Larghetto
Allegro
F. Benda
(1709-1786)
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Sonata in B flat minor, for violin and basso continuo *
Largo
Allegro
Presto
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* World primiere recording
"This CD brings together some of the sonatas that I consider most representative of Pisendel’s legacy. The programme retraces his direct connections with Tomaso Albinoni and Francesco Veracini,
both of whom he met in Venice in 1716,
as well as with Franz Benda, his pupil and a leading violinist at the court of Frederick II of Prussia. One of Pisendel’s most fascinating compositions
could not be left out: the monumental Sonata in D major,
a ‘chamber’ transcription – made by the composer himself –
of a concerto for violin and large orchestra.
The CD opens with an anonymous composition (perhaps by Pisendel himself?),
of extraordinary virtuosity and theatrical flair".
Enjoy listening!
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~Claudio Rado