Duni: 6 Sonatas For Flute/violin & B.c.

Description

Born in Matera in 1709, Egidio Duni was taught by his father, the composer Francesco Duni. At the age of 9 he entered the Conservatorio in Naples, where his teachers were Pergolesi and Paisiello. His opera debut was in 1735 in Rome with Nerone, a resounding success. Like many of his generation he went to London where his opera Demafoonte (with the last appearance of the great castrato Farinelli!) was a sensation. A serious illness brought him to The Netherlands where he consulted the famous doctor Boerhaave, who cured him. He spent several years in Holland, composing instrumental chamber music for the amusement of the wealthy bourgeoi- sie. The last years of his life were spent in France, where he was one of the founders of the Opera Comique. This new recording presents 6 sonatas written for either the violin or the flute, according to choice. On this recording three sonatas are played on the flute, and three on the violin. The music is charming, galant and highly melodious, entertainment at the highest level. Played by the DuniEnsemble: Natalia Bonello (baroque flute), Vincenzo Bianco (baroque violin), Leonardo Massa (baroque cello), Claudia Di Lorenzo (harpsichord).