Giovanni Battista Vitali (1632-92), along with Domenico Gabrieli, was one of several important musicians to accept posts at the vibrant court of the duchy of Modena. The young duke, Francesco II, was a cultivated prince, lover of the arts, and by all accounts a good violinist. Gabrieli was a pioneer of the cello, and Vitali was a virtuoso on the ‘violone’ – a large bass violin, and proficient on the new cello. Vitali started a musical dynasty at the court that lasted for 4 generations.

The Op.11 sonatas are composed for 6 instruments, although the court band had grown to 13 players during Vitali’s time there. For this recording, the parts have been doubled, to provide additional continuo. These works were a considerable success for the composer and were consistently in print long after Vitali’s death.

The music is a sophisticated blend of Italian and French styles, with the dance never far from the composer’s mind. They are fascinating works from a skilful composer who was a contemporary of Purcell, Marais, Pachelbel and Corelli.

Recording made in 2008 on period instruments – Italian Renaissance and baroque violins.