Benedetto Marcello Sonata No.2 in E minor

Benedetto Marcello, Sonata No.2 in E minor Adagio; Allegro; Largo; Andante from Six Sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord, Op. 1 Revised and realized by E. Giordani Sartori Janos Scholz, viola da gamba Egida Giordani Sartori, harpsichord Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739) had a special predilection for the sound of the violoncello, as borne out by the parts he assigned to that instrument in his vocal works. Primarily a composer for the human voice, he naturally favored the instrument which approximated its range and expressiveness. The sonatas follow the same basic outline: four short movements, with an Adagio or Largo in the opening and third movements, and Allegros in the other two. There is nothing revolutionary in this music. Marcello’s writing for strings did not possess the virtuoso elements found in Vivaldi and Tartini, but displayed a great deal of melodic originality. The slow movements unfold with noble dignity; the allegros, in binary form, are characterized by vigorous dance rhythms. Marce