14. Baroque Sonatas

Ariadne Daskalakis and her Ensemble were due to play Biber’s Mystery Sonatas over three late-night concerts in Bantry this summer. For that special pleasure we must wait until next summer. The two Schmelzer Sonatas ‘Unarum Fidium’ (for one violin) bookend this recital. Schmelzer was considered one of the most famous violinists in Europe in the latter half of the 17^th Century and these Sonatas were likely intended for his own use as a performer. He is also thought to have been Biber’s teacher. Bach’s sonatas for violin and harpsichord are less well-known than his solo Sonatas and Partitas. In 1774 his son, CPE Bach, praised them extravagantly: ‘The six harpsichord trios are amongst the finest works of my dearly beloved father. They still sound excellent and give me great pleasure although they are over 50 years old [!!]. There are several Adagios in them which even nowadays could not be set in a more singing style.’ By trio sonata CPE referred to the three voices – violin, harpsichordist’s right hand and the bass played by the left hand with optional support of a viola da gamba.

14. Baroque Sonatas_Programme Notes

Visit the OCL event page for more booking details

European Broadcast 11am Irish Standard Time
North American Broadcast 11am ET (4pm Irish Standard Time)

On Demand will become available after the conclusion of the North American broadcast for 48 hours (26 June 5pm – 28 June 5pm IST)

All works performed by Ariadne Daskalakis Ensemble Vintage Köln