| The ten Invenzioni du camera, Op. 10, by Vivaldi's contemporary, Bonporti, were first published in Bologna in 1712. These pieces for solo violin and continuo follow no set pattern but consist of a wide variety of movement types, ranging from the dance measure of conventional suites to recitative, arias, highly imaginative capriccios and pieces from whose very name we infer the composer's uninhibited fantasy and search for novel means of expression. In one respect, at least, they certainly made their mark, for within three years of their first printing Bach had copied out four of them, Nos. 2, 5, 6 and 7 (BWVAnh173-76). Not until the present century, in fact, were the four Invenzioni in question thought to be other than original products of Bach's pen, a commendation indeed of the extent of Bonporti's 'invention' and craftsmanship. And the fact that the set was printed again in the year following its initial publication, this time in Venice, is indicative of the lively interest already being shown in Bonporti's opus.
In the light of all this it is perhaps surprising that we have had to wait so long for a complete recording of Bonporti's Inventioni; for, though not quite the first recording - that honor goes to the Aglaia Ensemble on Stradivarius - it is the first to be widely available. Violinist Chiara Banchini provides the stronger performance of the two with a more secure technique and a more demonstrative, virtuosic approach to the music. Yet the warmer violin tone of the rival set, the softerspoken account of the slow movements and the altogether gentler gestures make for considerable appeal. Both sets are strong, though contrasting in their continuo support; Banchini's version prefers harpsichord and cello throughout while the Aglaia Ensemble field, in addition, an organ, baroque guitar, double harp and an archlute. |
Marvolous recording! I already added this CD to my Amazon wishlist. Thank you Otto! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is just the Best Release I own among 3000 CDs,
ReplyDeleteand the best recorded music I have listened to in my entire life.
Bomporti's Opus X is a landmine set to go deeper than any other
in your soul. A milestone in Musical History.
For me, in the entire repertoire of the Baroque era,
nothing, and I mean nothing, not even Bach's Cello sonatas,
approaches the inventiveness, and the lyricism of these Musics.
Some genius and divine inspiration he reached here
(and none other opus of his bears this kind of mark)
as you may have not heard of,
before you ascend to God or go to Hell.
ABSOLUTELY COMPULSORY.