Locatelli, Pietro - Trio Sonatas - Ruhadze, Igor (violin)
During his lifetime, the Italian composer Pietro Antonio Locatelli (1695--1764) could have been considered a fully-fledged star in the world of composition. Although he was recognised for his awe-inspiring virtuoso violin playing (which earned him the nickname of 'The Devil'), it was his shrewd approach to publishing that secured him such a wide audience. Nevertheless, like so many distinguished composers of his era, his works fell into obscurity after his death, and it is only in the 21st century that a deserved revival is taking place, spearheaded by Igor Ruhadze and Ensemble Violini Capricciosi.
In this 2-disc release, the first volume in Brilliant Classics' exciting new edition of Locatelli's complete works, the Italian composer's trio sonatas are brought into focus, taken from his Op.5 and Op.8 collections. The genre was popular in the mid-18th century, and Locatelli must have had commercial motivations for publishing two sets. However, the music itself remains elegant and sophisticated, catering to shifting popular tastes (adopting elements of the flourishing galant style, for example), while maintaining variety across the collections and carefully balancing traditional and new elements.
This new volume is lent further authority by its performers, Ensemble Violini Capricciosi. A new ensemble led by Igor Ruhadze, it is comprised of musicians who all specialise in historical performance practice, and is therefore perfectly placed to deliver performances of sensitivity and insight. Comprehensive in scope, as this volume demonstrates, the Locatelli Edition promises to be an exciting addition to Brilliant Classics' catalogue of recordings by rediscovered composers.