Composer

Giovanni Battista Fontana

1571 — 1630

Albums

Castello & Fontana: Sonate concertate in stil moderno

John Holloway, Jane Gower, Lars Ulrik Mortensen

The Age of Extravagance: VIrtuoso Iberian & Italian Cornett Music

Timothy Roberts, Paula Chateauneuf, Jeremy West

Monteverdi: Lamento d'Arianna; Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda / Farina: Sonata La Desperata / Rossi: Sonata sopra l'aria di Ruggiero / Fontana: Sonata a tre violini / Marini: Passacaglio a 4; Sonata sopra la Monica; Eco a tre violini / Buonamente:

Patrizia Kwella, Carolyn Watkinson, Nigel Rogers, David Thomas, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel

Giovanni Battista Fontana: Life and Significance

Giovanni Battista Fontana (c. 1580–1630) was an influential Italian Baroque composer and violinist. Born in Brescia, he was active in major musical centers such as Rome and Padua. Although little is firmly documented about his personal life, Fontana's reputation as a virtuoso violinist was widely recognized during his lifetime. His fame in Venice was likened to that of the legendary figure Orpheus in the dedication of Gussago's work.

Fontana is considered one of the principal figures in the early development of the sonata genre, particularly the solo sonata. His career culminated in Padua, where he died in 1630, likely due to a fever.

Fascinating Works by Giovanni Battista Fontana

Fontana's enduring legacy lies in his highly innovative collection, the Sonate a 1.2.3. per il violino, o cornetto, fagotto, chitarone, violoncino o simile altro istromento, which was published posthumously in Venice in 1641. The collection consists of 18 sonatas—six for solo violin or cornetto and basso continuo, and twelve for various combinations of instruments.

Notable Features

These sonatas are among the earliest of their form, marking a significant evolution towards the modern sonata style. Fontana's works exploit the expressive and technical capabilities of the violin and other instruments, showcasing virtuosic display, intricate counterpoint, and adventurous harmonic writing—a hallmark of the so-called stile moderno. The rich diversity of ensemble sonorities anticipated developments in instrumental chamber music and influenced later Baroque composers.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Fontana’s music embodies the extravagance and innovation characteristic of the early Baroque era. His compositions have charmed audiences across the globe for centuries, and continue to do so today.

STAGE+ brings you an immersive musical experience featuring Fontana's captivating sonatas. Our special focus, "Fascinating works by Giovanni Battista Fontana", dives deep into the virtuoso's wide repertoire, offering listeners an unparalleled musical journey. Our headline feature, "Castello & Fontana: Sonate concertate in stil moderno", presents a diverse range of harmonious compositions that reflect both Iberian and Italian influences. The Age of Extravagance emphasizes the magnificence and virtuosity of Iberian and Italian music, making it an experience not to miss.

Featuring the talents of John Holloway, Jane Gower, and Lars Ulrik Mortensen, the content is further enriched with unique musical interpretations. Other celebrated musicians, including Timothy Roberts, Paula Chateauneuf, and Jeremy West, contribute their expertise to bring Fontana’s spellbinding music to life.

Keep an eye out for upcoming performances and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Giovanni Battista Fontana, only on STAGE+.