Biagio Marini - Curiose & Moderne Inventioni

The compositions on this disc are from three different Marini publications: opus 3, 8, and 22 (his last published collection). They fall under three types: pieces for solo violin and continuo, trio sonatas, and dances and other short pieces for string quartet (!) with continuo. Among the highlights are the SONATA QUARTA for violin (track 6, an attempt to adapt vocal monody, the expressive recitative of early opera, to instrumental terms); ROMANESCA (track 7), based on a ground bass shared with "Greensleeves"; the 12-minute PASS'E MEZO (track 15), a prismatic variations piece; and especially the poignant, eloquent PASSACAGLIO (track 8). Everywhere, Marini's harmonic boldness and his distinctive, bittersweet lyricism are in evidence. This disc is a fine place to start for anyone interested in exploring the instrumental side of the 17th-century Italian STIL MODERNO.


Tracklist:

1. Sinfonia Sesto Tuono, for chamber instruments & continuo, Op. 22
2. Balletto Terzo, for 3-4 instruments & continuo, Op. 22/3
3. Corrente Seconda, for chamber instruments & continuo, Op. 22/10
4. Zarabanda Terza, for chamber instruments & continuo, Op. 22
5. Balletto Quarto Allemano, for 3-4 instruments & continuo, Op. 22/4
6. Sonata for violin solo ("Per sonar con due corde"), Op. 8/16
7. La Romanesca, for violin & continuo, Op. 3
8. Passacaglia à 4, for chamber instruments & continuo Op. 22
9. Sinfonia Primo Tuono, for chamber instruments & continuo, Op. 22
10. Zarabanda Quarta, for chamber instruments & continuo Op. 22
11. Sonata Basso e Violino, for chamber instruments & continuo, Op. 22
12. Sinfonia Terzo Tuono, for chamber instruments & continuo, Op. 22
13. Sonata Prima A doi Violino Op 8
14. Sonata Terza, Variata for violin solo Op 8
15. Pass'e mezo in 10 Parti Doi Violini e chitarone Op 8
16. Balletto Secondo, for 3-4 instruments & continuo, Op. 22/2

Romanesca

Andrew Manze, violin
Nigel North, chitarrone & chitarra alla spagnola
John Toll, harpsichord & organ
Carolin Balding, violin
Jan Schlapp, viola
David Watkin, cello