Benedetto Marcello

Two Sonatas

The six sonatas by Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739), apart from those by Antonio Vivaldi, are among the best-known baroque compositions for violoncello and basso continuo. During the lifetime of this composer who was actually famous then, the collection was already offered in printed editions in the major European music metropolises London, Paris and Amsterdam. Even if there is some uncomfortable fingering in these sonatas - which might be due to Marcello's working with a five-string cello with an added E' string - they are of moderate difficulty and belong to the standard works of the violoncello teaching literature. With the 4 sonatas presented here, all 6 works of the collection are now available in revised reprints (see also CB 60 and CB 104).