Intégrale des sonates pour mandoline

Description

Here is a rare record, in fact a world premiere! The Pizzicar Galante ensemble, featuring Anna Schivazappa (mandolin), Fabio Falcone (harpsichord), Ronald Alonso (viola da gamba), and Daniel de Moraïs (theorbo), performs for the first time a collection of sonatas for mandolin and continuo published in Rome around 1710. Aside from the famous concertos by Vivaldi, the mandolin is not often in the spotlight. This instrument, a type of small lute very popular in Mediterranean countries, became particularly fashionable in 18th-century Italy, with the soloist using two Milanese mandolins (6 and 5 courses). The sonatas are mostly by Roberto Valentini and Pietro Boni. Valentini, actually Robert Valentine, an Englishman born in Leicester, moved to Italy, became a naturalized citizen, and settled in Rome where he taught and composed. The influence of Corelli, who was then all-powerful, and his "tempered virtuosity" inevitably shines through in Valentini's music, characterized by a balanced and brilliant lyricism. Pizzicar Galante, in its desire to promote the baroque repertoire for mandolin and continuo, delivers a particularly accomplished interpretation where Anna Schivazappa's virtuosity contributes to the clarity of the musical discourse. We thank the label Brilliant Classics for launching this young ensemble, which records its first CD with evident success. (Philippe Zanoly)