For a composer who was so important in the development of the sonata and concerto, there's a surprising lack of knowledge about the early years of Arcangelo Corelli. This we do know: by the age of 22, he was working in Rome, where he would make a name for himself, moving in the highest circles of society, performing for heads of state and the church. And his sphere of influence extended well beyond Italy; Bach studied Corelli's works, and used them as inspiration. Corelli's legacy was insured by his many students, who included Geminiani, Locatelli and others who carried on his lessons, and by the many concertos and sonatas that are still being performed and enjoyed 345 years later.
For the 2019-2020 season opener, Publick Musick explored the tragic tale of Dido and Aeneas in a concert that also included this sonata by Corelli. Boel Gidholm and Mary Riccardi play Baroque violins, Christopher Haritatos plays the Baroque cello, and Deborah Fox adds the theorbo. This was recorded on October 27, 2019 in the Lutheran Church for the Incarnate Word.
