Benedetto Marcello's cello sonatas unite Baroque eloquence, Venetian elegance and melodic ease in a foundational chapter of the repertoire.

Benedetto Marcello: Complete Cello Sonatas presents a refined and historically rich survey of one of the Baroque era's most understated yet eloquent voices. Performed by Francesco Galligioni and Rolando Moro (cellos) with Roberto Loreggian (harpsichord), this recording brings together the six canonical Op. 1 sonatas alongside a newly reconstructed seventh sonata, offering a complete and expanded view of Marcello's contribution to the cello repertoire.

A Venetian aristocrat and magistrate, Marcello cultivated music within the intellectual and artistic circles of his time, producing works that balance scholarly rigor with lyrical expressivity. His cello sonatas, likely composed earlier but published around 1732, stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, reflecting the broader evolution of the cello from continuo instrument to expressive solo voice. Structured in the four-movement sonata da chiesa form (slow-fast-slow-fast), these works explore a wide range of affetti, from introspective lyricism to spirited, dance-inflected finales.

Marcello's writing is distinguished by its vocal sensibility: the cello lines unfold with cantabile grace, often resembling operatic arias without words. The opening movements establish a dignified, contemplative tone, while the Allegro sections introduce lively dialogue between soloist and continuo, incorporating elements of counterpoint and rhythmic vitality. The slow third movements return to a deeply expressive, almost meditative character, before the final movements bring a sense of buoyant closure, occasionally drawing on recognizable dance forms such as the gigue.

The basso continuo--realized here through harpsichord and a second cello--provides both harmonic foundation and interactive support, recreating the rich sonic texture typical of eighteenth-century performance practice. This approach not only enhances the depth of the music but also underscores the collaborative nature of Baroque chamber music, where accompaniment and solo line engage in subtle interplay.

Beyond the six established sonatas, this recording is distinguished by the inclusion of a recently rediscovered Sonata in B-flat major, reconstructed from manuscript sources at Venice's Cappella Marciana. Carefully completed by Francesco Galligioni, this work integrates seamlessly with the original set, offering fresh insight into Marcello's compositional voice and expanding the known canon of his cello music.

Recorded in March 2024 at Studio Rosso (Zanotto Strumenti, Silvelle di Trebaseleghe, Italy), with liner notes by Giuliano Marco Mattioli, this Da Vinci Classics release combines scholarly attention with high production standards. With a total runtime of approximately 56 minutes, it stands as both a definitive collection and a significant contribution to the ongoing revival of Baroque cello repertoire.

Additional Details

Label: DA VINCI CLASSICS

Genre: Classical

Run Time: 55 mins

Release Date: 09/18/26

UPC: 746160919430