Scarlatti: Mandolin Sonatas

In Domenico Scarlatti's vast output of 555 keyboard sonatas, there are a small number of works that are especially interesting to musicologists because of characteristics such as figured bass, three- or four-movement structure, and distinctive melodic lines that are particularly appropriate for a high-pitched solo instrument. Some experts believe that these works were written for the violin; on this recording, after meticulous research and the discovery of an important new manuscript at the Bibliotheque de l'Arsenal in Paris, the members of Artemandoline propose the fascinating theory that the sonatas may have been composed for the mandolin. Featuring works ranging from the smaller-scale K77 to the ambitious and technically demanding K88 -- which is extremely well suited to the mandolin thanks to its four-part chords and dynamic nuances -- this disc offers a radical reinterpretation of this captivating music.

Formed in 2001, the ensemble Artemandoline has worked tirelessly over the years towards the revival of the mandolin, giving new prominence to and widening the repertoire of this beautiful and unfairly neglected instrument. Artemandoline is acclaimed by audiences and critics alike for its rigorous and scrupulously researched, yet fresh, spontaneous and exciting performances. This is the ensemble's first recording for Brilliant Classics; a second disc of mandolin music from 18th-century Paris will follow later in 2013.

Other information:
- Recording: August 2012, Église Romane de Mont-Saint-Martin, Longwy, France.
- In the vast body of 555 solo keyboard sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti musicologists have found a number of sonatas which may have been conceived as works for solo instrument and basso continuo, on the basis of the multi-movement structure and the notation of one solo voice and a figured bass. The members of ensemble Artemandoline have found ground for the assumption that it may have been written for mandolin!
- The performance of Artemandoline is truly convincing and effective, a perfect plea for their theory, shedding new light on these delightful and brilliant sonatas by Scarlatti!
- The Ensemble Artemandoline performs on period instruments.
- Booklet provides information on the works, the instruments as well as the biographies.