Benedetto Marcello - 6 Cello Sonatas (Renato Criscuolo; Aldo Criscuolo)

Information

Composer: Benedetto Marcello

• Cello Sonata No. 1 in F Major
• Cello Sonata No. 2 in E Minor
• Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Minor
• Cello Sonata No. 4 in G Minor
• Cello Sonata No. 5 in C Major
• Cello Sonata No. 6 in G Major

Renato Criscuolo, baroque cello

Aldo Criscuolo, harpsichord

Date: 2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

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From an early age Benedetto Marcello (Venice 1686 – Brescia 1739) proved to be a man of great versatility: a poet, writer, musician, lawyer, judge, administrator and philologist, holding important posts in these functions during his entire life. As a composer he wrote a substantial oeuvre, covering all important fields of composition: sacred and secular choral works, opera and a large body of instrumental music.

Benedetto Marcello’s Six Cello Sonatas, composed in the early 18th century, are a cornerstone of the Baroque repertoire for the cello. Renowned for their expressive depth and technical intricacy, these works reflect Marcello’s mastery of counterpoint and melodic invention. The sonatas are part of his broader contribution to the Venetian musical tradition, blending Italian lyricism with the intellectual rigor of the Baroque style.

Each sonata comprises four movements, typically adhering to the slow-fast slow-fast structure. The musical character alternates between lyrical, aria-like passages and energetic, dance-inspired movements. The sonatas also emphasize the basso continuo, a hallmark of Baroque music, which provides harmonic support and rhythmic drive.

Played by Early Music specialist Renato Criscuolo, who discovered and recorded music for cello by Caporale, Porpora, Zuccari, Handel and Pergolesi for Brilliant Classics.

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