Sonate da camera (1701)

Description

Carlo Ambrogio Lonati, a colorful figure in the Italian violin scene, was born in Milan and moved to Rome at the age of 25, where he became known as the "hunchback of Queen" Christina of Sweden. His stature destined him to become a singer for roles of gnomes and dwarfs on the operatic stage of Rome. Corelli played for a few years in the orchestra conducted by Lonati. The virtuoso did not publish his collection of 12 Sonatas until 1701, likely motivated by the success of Corelli's Sonatas for violin (1701). Lonati's compositions were a source of inspiration for many composers. Had he published his works at the time of their creation, his success would have been even greater. These masterpieces were dedicated to Emperor Leopold I. Lonati's virtuosity is comparable to that of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber. The expressive power of his music is fascinating; he cannot deny his Italian origins.