Europa Galante & Fabio Biondi - Locatelli: 6 Introduttioni Teatrali - Import CD

Credits:

Europa Galante & Fabio Biondi

Description:

Guided by his boundless curiosity, Fabio Biondi continues his grand tour of Europe with a recording of Locatelli, Paganini’s direct predecessor! Biondi has recorded Locatelli’s rare works! This collection features all six of Locatelli’s *Theatrical Overtures*, composed by a violinist whose name resounded throughout Europe as one of the finest of his time. These brilliant works combine two elements: the concerto grosso and the opera sinfonia (opera overture). The cadenza sections also feature Locatelli’s original scores, allowing listeners to truly appreciate the height of his technical skill and the brilliance of his artistry. Led by the brilliant Biondi, the members of Europa Galante deliver a dynamic ensemble performance, and Locatelli makes a resplendent entrance with his magnificent tone! Born in Bergamo in 1695, Pietro Antonio Locatelli was one of the most important composers and violinists of the first half of the 18th century. He took his first steps as a musician in his hometown as a violinist, and in 1711, likely dreaming of studying under Corelli, he moved to Rome. Corelli, who was ill, passed away in 1713, and it is believed that Locatelli most likely studied under Corelli’s pupils, particularly Giuseppe Valentini. In 1723, Locatelli left Rome and embarked on a tour of Europe. Traveling through Italy and Germany, he arrived in Amsterdam in 1729, where he settled until his death in 1764. Although his reputation as a composer and performer renowned for his virtuosity had already spread throughout Europe, he set out to publish the works he had conceived during his travels in order to secure a stable livelihood without being tied to a court. A Dutch publisher released Locatelli’s masterpieces, including *The Art of Violin Playing: 12 Violin Concertos with 24 Ad Libitum Capriccios, Op. 3* (1733) and *Six Theatrical Overtures and Six Concertos, Op. 4* (1735), which Biondi has recorded here. Although titled *Six Theatrical Overtures*, it is unclear for what specific occasion they were written. They may have been performed at events held at the Amsterdam City Theatre, located directly behind Locatelli’s residence, or they may have been conceived as independent instrumental works not tied to any particular context. The *Theatrical Overtures* fuse the characteristics of two genres—the concerto grosso and the opera sinfonia (opera overture)—in a completely original manner. It consists of three movements—fast–slow–fast—and the final section of the last movement includes a short capriccio and a cadenza. The cadenza was written out in its entirety by Locatelli (as were the final movements of the Sonata No. 12 from Op. 6 and the famous concertos in *Violin Techniques*, Op. 3). In these capriccios and cadenzas, Locatelli elevates violin technique and composition to unprecedented heights, laying the foundation for the art of Paganini (1782–1840). This is a valuable performance that explores the true value of Locatelli, who can be considered Paganini’s most direct predecessor. NAIVE

Tracklisting:

1.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 1 in D sharp major~1. Allegro
2.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 1 in D sharp major~2. Allegro
3.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 1 in D sharp major~3. Presto
4.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 2 in F major~1. Allegro
5.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 2 in F major~2. Andante
6.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 2 in F major~3. Allegro
7.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 3 in B flat major~1. Allegro
8.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 3 in B flat major~2. Andante
9.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 3 in B flat major~3. Presto
10.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 4 in G sharp major~1. Allegro
11.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 4 in G sharp major~2. Andante
12.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 4 in G sharp major~3. Presto
13.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 5 in D major~1. Allegro
14.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 5 in D major~2. Andante
15.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 5 in D major~3. Presto
16.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 6 in C major~1. Vivace
17.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 6 in C major~2. Andante
18.Introduzione teatrale Op. 4: No. 6 in C major~3. Presto
19.Violin Concerto in A major, DunL 1.5~1. Vivace
20.Violin Concerto in A major, DunL 1.5~2. Largo