Jean-Guihen Queyras, Vivaldi

Vivaldi’s cello sonatas are a very different kettle of fish to his concerti. Far less virtuosic and consciously “public”, intended for consumption at intimate gatherings – until recently their lighter technical demands confined them to practice rooms or amateur performance.

Their form follows the plan of the classic Corellian chamber sonata; four movements, slow-fast-slow-fast while the austere simplicity of the writing providing a framework on which to drape lavish  fabrics of improvisatory flourishes and ornaments tailored to the capabilities of performers.

The six sonatas here were published as a set in 1740 without the composer’s consent – the excellent booklet essay traces their murky provenance – the dodgy first edition thankfully now corrected...