COMPOSERS: Veracini
LABELS: Hyperion
ALBUM TITLE: Veracini
WORKS: Sonate accademiche, Op. 2
PERFORMER: Locatelli Trio
CATALOGUE NO: CDS 44241-3
Like Vivaldi, Francesco Veracini was a brilliant performer whose reputation extended well beyond his native Italy. His 12 Sonate accademiche were published in 1744 as his Op. 2, and though containing movements requiring technical virtuosity they often hark back to the earlier idiom of Corelli and others.
This recording of Veracini’s last set of sonatas was made twelve years ago and has previously been available on the Hyperion label, though under a different numerical prefix. The performances by the Locatelli Trio respond with spontaneity and expressive warmth to the wide-ranging affects, sometimes playful, at others sober and occasionally harmonically idiosyncratic of these fascinating pieces. Violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch articulates Veracini’s melodic line with clarity and communicative charm. Her intonation is mainly dependable and her feeling for capricious and extravagant gestures a pleasing feature of her playing. Throughout, she is sympathetically supported by Richard Tunnicliffe and Paul Nicholson who rings the changes between organ and harpsichord. A welcome return to the catalogue. Nicholas Anderson