Description
In 1716 Geminiani self-published twelve Sonatas for Violin and Basso continuo Op. 1 with a fulsome dedication to his patron Baron Johann Adolf von Kielmannsegg from Schleswig. Modelled on Corelli's Violin Sonatas Op. 5, Geminiani's opus is in two sections: the first six basically follow Sonata da chiesa form, numbers 7 to 12 also have dance-like movements and differs from Corelli's Sonatas da camera. 1757 announced Geminiani his Opus 1 "with a Ripieno Bass to be used when the Violins are doubled>>. This additional part suggests the two violin parts may be performed by several players, and underlines the concertante character. The two voices either double or paraphrase the original parts, or are entirely new versions. The Sonatas 4 and 7 are presented in the Concerto grosso arrangements by Charles Avison (1709-1770).