- Francesco Bonporti lived for the largest part of his life in Trento, his native town. He studied in Rome, and was influenced by Arcangelo Corelli, whose style of imitative counterpoint he invests with dramatic elements. His fame spread over Europe and the great Johann Sebastian Bach transcribed for harpsichord some of his violin sonatas.
- Bonporti’s compositional model was clearly that of Corelli, with its technically sophisticated writing for the violin, full of virtuoso touches as well as imaginative harmony and lively part-writing.
- This 4 CD set presents Bonporti’s complete Sonatas for two violins and basso continuo, his opus number 1, 2, 4 and 6, some of which were issued separately in previous issues. They mark the transition from the Baroque style towards the concertante style in which the violins assume a soloistic and individual role, focused on melodic character and brilliant virtuosity.
- The Italian group Labirinti Armonici specializes in the performance of undiscovered Baroque music, it consists of two violins, cello and harpsichord/organ. ‘These performances are excellent, ideally balancing energy and gracefulness… I can think of nothing bad to say about these sonatas and these performances. This disc has raised my curiosity about Bonporti, and I think that is recommendation enough.’ (Fanfare).
