Graziani: Twelve Sonatas for Violoncello and Basso, Opp. 1 and 2

Cellist-composer Carlo Graziani (before 1740–1787) published two sets of six sonatas each for violoncello and basso as his opuses 1 and 2. This edition makes these previously hard-to-find works easily accessible and usable for both performance and study. It provides concrete examples of the melo/bass sonata of the mid-eighteenth century, illustrates typical cello technique of the time period, and highlights the early output of this Italian cellist. The introductory material offers a much fuller picture of Graziani’s life than other accounts and corrects erroneous information currently in print. Graziani’s sonatas are considered within this context, noting both the time of composition as well as the intended audience.

Sonata No. 1 in G Major

  Allegro

  Larghetto

  Allegro

Sonata No. 2 in C Major

  Allegretto

  Cantabile

  Allegro

Sonata No. 3 in B-flat Major

  Allegretto

  Largo

  Allegro

Sonata No. 4 in C Major

  Allegretto

  Cantabile

  Rondeau: Allegretto

Sonata No. 5 in A Major

  Allegro

  Adagio

  Allegro

Sonata No. 6 in D Major

  Allegro

  Larghetto

  Andante: Minuetto

 

Sonata No. 1 in C Major

  Allegro

  Adagio

  Allegro spiritoso

Sonata No. 2 in D Major

  Allegro

  Largo: Cantabile

  Minuetto: Grazioso

Sonata No. 3 in E Minor

  Allegretto

  Adagio

  Rondeau

Sonata No. 4 in F Major

  Allegretto con esprezione

  Larghetto

  Caccia: Allegro

Sonata No. 5 in G Major

  Allegretto

  Adagio

  Rondeau: Comodo

Sonata No. 6 in A Major

  Allegro

  Cantabile

  Spiritoso