ClassicsToday.com (09-2010)
... The six sonatas of Op. 5 were composed in 1746 for cello and continuo, then immediately transcribed for violin. Their composition was part of the larger process, described by Christopher Hogwood in some detail in his excellent preface, by which the cello gradually supplanted the bass viol as the lower stringed instrument of choice ... having both versions printed together in a single volume, as here, proves a great advantage to scholars and performers equally ... Hogwood reproduces Geminiani’s (or his publisher’s) original notation, and particularly his ornamentation, with admirable fidelity ... Not the least of the present volume’s attractions is the reproduction (and helpful translation) of the various copyright “privileges” Geminiani received from the governments of France, Holland, and England ... It is ironic that a composer who took such pains over the publication, dissemination, and protection of his music should have had to wait until now for a complete, modern critical edition. Appearing in good time for the 250th anniversary of Geminiani’s death in 2012, this Ut Orpheus project represents a major effort toward correcting alongstanding injustice. (David Hurwitz) |
Catalogue
