' The rise of all instrumental music in Italy, and particularly the rise of violin music, was closelv associated with the rise of the virtuoso performer ... As the violin-playing schools developed their own individual characteristics, and as more and more Italians travelled abroad and returned with news of new developments. for example in German virtuosity, so the requirements of the trio composers were adapted to find openings for this soloistic display.'
This increased stress on virtuoso playing is one of the main themes in the third of Christopher Hogwood 's programmes, which traces the continuing development of the Trio-Sonata in mid-17th-century Italy. Composers represented in the programme are Giovanni Legrenzi. Maurizio Cazzatti. Marco Uccellini , Giovanni Maria Bononclni , Giovanni Battista Vitali , Giovanni Battista Buonamente and Giovanni Battista Mazzaferrata.
THE ENGLISH CONCERT director TREVOR PINNOCK (harpsichord and organ)