Giardini: 6 Sonatas for violin and continuo, Op. 1, London 1751

This release is devoted to the complete set of six Sonatas for Violin and Basso Continuo, Op. 1 by Felice Giardini (also known as Degiardino), published in London in 1751. Born in Turin in 1716, and passing away in Moscow in 1796, Giardini stands as a bridge between eras and styles, forging a distinctive voice, in which diverse musical languages merge with remarkable balance. A virtuoso of string instruments, he masterfully explored their possibilities, during the delicate transition from the Baroque to the early Classical period, an era often defined as the galant style. The Op. 1 collection belongs to Giardini's early years, and it's formal structure reflects typical Baroque conventions: all six sonatas are laid out in three movements, alternating fast and slow tempi, occasionally bearing the markings of stylized dance forms (such as minuets, and gigues) reminiscent of Baroque suites. The main performers of this rediscovery, are I Solisti Ambrosiani (v. tc 681302, tc 670203, tc 670291) with Davide Belosio on violin, Claudio Frigerio on cello, and Nicola Bisotti on harpsichord.