FRANCESCO GEMINIANI (1687-1762): 12 Sonatas, Op. 1.

Description: These are the sonatas which Charles Avison turned into Concerti grossi and which have been recorded several times. But this is apparently the first recording of many of the original sonatas. But what does "original" mean here? Geminiani printed three different versions of these sonatas (originally for violin and continuo) in 1716, 1739 and as trio sonatas in 1757. Various versions from each of these publications are included here as well as two arrangements for two violins and continuo by Francesco Barsanti, one for flute and continuo by Pietro Chaboud and one for treble recorder and continuo by an unknown hand; also included are two sonata movements transcribed by Geminiani himself for harpsichord. Whew! 2 CDs. London Handel Players.