Album insights
Tartini was a significant figure for his contemporaries, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of his work as a violinist, composer, and teacher. References from Quantz, Leopold Mozart, and Dr. Charles Burney reflect the respect he garnered, along with the influx of violinists journeying to Padua to study under him. Despite mixed responses to his music theory treatises, Tartini's acoustic and philosophical speculations sparked substantial discussions. His name, though overshadowed in the 19th and 20th centuries, remained known, particularly among students of historical violin performance. The mysterious tale of his "Devil's Trill" Sonata perpetuated his legacy. Tartini's dream-inspired composition remains a staple in the violin repertoire alongside his popular work, "Didone Abbandonata," from the 1734 collection.
There is a resurgence in Tartini's recognition, marked by the availability of CD recordings featuring his compositions and the reprinting of his treatise on embellishments. Unlike Vivaldi, Tartini mostly focused on soloviolin sonatas with basso continuo and violin concertos, eschewing opera or large-scale choral works. His journey from Piran to Padua, known for his prowess in fencing and a complex personal life, later solidified his reputation as a prominent violinist and composer in Padua and Venice. Embracing the natural world's harmony, Tartini's compositions reflected divine harmony, integrating references to human emotions evident in his manuscript scores.
Tartini's early concertos defied Baroque norms, showcasing a departure toward a more modern and harmonious style. His concertos exhibited innovative forms, like fugues and dialogues between soloist and orchestra. His use of varied accompaniments created unique textures, emphasizing his virtuosity and lyrical qualities. The slow movements highlighted Tartini's meticulous attention to harmonies and melodies, characterized by innovative rhythmic patterns and emotional depth. Notable for his harmonious clarity and inventive melodies, Tartini's compositions demonstrated his mastery over the violin and harmonic structures. Burney's assessment predominates, praising Tartini's depth, originality, and emotive melodic treatment, heralding him as a masterful composer.