Presents
Giovanni Battista Viotti
 |
 |
Two Trios for 2 Violins and Violoncello, Nos.14 & 15, G.103 & 104
Today, if one hears any of Giovanni Battista Viotti's music, it is mostly likely one of the more than 20 violin concertos he wrote. Although he wrote hundreds of works in most every genre, they have all but disappeared. Viotti (1755-1824) was widely considered the greatest violin virtuoso of the 18th century. He was the precursor to Paganini, not only in his development of violin technique but also in his use of Italian vocal melody in instrumental music. Viotti was a student of Gaetano Pugnani, who himself was one of the greatest violinists of the first part of the 18th century. Viotti toured throughout Europe eventually settling in Paris where he lived for many years before moving to London where he stayed until his death.
Like most of his contemporaries from the 18th century, Viotti was a prolific composer. He is known to have composed at least 20 string trios for 2 violins and cellos. They were usually composed and published in sets of three. The two trios presented here are from as a set of three which were composed and published around 1808. They are written in concertante style, as opposed to that pioneered by Haydn with its complex accompaniment. Concertante style gives one voice the solo while the others have a simpler, supporting accompaniment. However, each instrument is given solos throughout and Viotti's gift for lovely melodies is everywhere apparent. The trios are in three movements and follow a traditional fast-slow-fast format.
These ares not only fun to play and to hear, they certainly can be presented in concert
Parts: $19.95
