Classical Music | Ensemble Music

Recorded on 05/13/2008, uploaded on 01/16/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

With a masterful craft of melody Arcangelo Corelli penned his trio sonatas for two violins and continuo, including the last of the opus 2 collection known simply as “Ciaccona.” Appearing in 1685, this G major sonata is a set of variations on one of the most common of the Baroque ground basses—the slow descend from tonic to dominant. The sonata begins in a Largo tempo establishing from the outset a stately air embellished by Corelli’s melodic gift. The ground bass in these opening variations, however, is embellished with added melodic tones and beautiful suspensions in the harmony. In the final measures, the pattern is reversed with the bass rising from tonic to dominant. This reversal prepares the arrival of the ensuing Allegro and the ground bass in its simplest form. Though livelier in tempo, the dignified expression of the Largo is not lost. By the third variation after the beginning of the Allegro, the ground bass itself once again undergoes changes and becomes increasing interwoven with the upper melodic lines—a noteworthy example of subjecting both form and technique to the musical demands of a piece. After passing briefly through E minor and D minor, the music returns to G major while the melodic lines of the two violins becoming more active, changing the previously stately tone to one more of jubilee. In the final variations, however, the excitement subsides concluding the piece in an expression of pure exaltation.      Joseph DuBose

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.