Joseph Bologne (1745-1799)

Nationality: French | Caribbean | Afro-Caribbean

Born: December 25, 1745, Baillif, Guadeloupe Died: June 9, 1799, Paris (age 53)

wikipedia | imslp

Violin Sonata in g minor, Op. 1a, No. 3

(for violin and piano)

		I.	Allegro
		II.	Rondeau gracioso

Composed: c. 1770 (age 24-25)

Published: 1781, LeDuc (age 35-36)

Note: Pour le Clavecin ou Forté Piano avec Accompagnement de Violon Obligé

glossary

accompanied sonata—A unique genre of chamber music (c. 1735-1835, Newman) written primarily for keyboard (harpsichord or piano) with optional (ad libitum) or relatively basic (doubling keyboard part or independent but simple parts) "accompaniment" by such instruments as violin, flute, cello, etc. Originally intended for skilled keyboardist optionally joined by Royal, domestic or otherwise amateur players. Often designated by titles like "Sonata en trio" or "en quatuor" with "ad libitum" or inferred by time period and the nature of the parts. Distinguished from older sonatas using basso continuo, those using terms like "obbligato" or "true" chamber music from the Classical era forward.
allegro [I]—fast, lively tempo. From the Italian word for cheerful or gay.
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
duo, duet, dueto [S], duetto [I], duett [G]—a work for two instruments; the ensemble itself
grazioso [I], con grazia, gratioso, graziös [G], Mit Grazie—graceful, gracefully; easy
opus [L], opera[pl], Op., Opp, WoO, Op. posth—work, as in a work of art. For unique identification, publishers/composers often assign an "opus number", abbreviated as "Op." (e.g. Op. 1). A range of works by opus number, uses the plural "opp." (e.g. "Opp. 1-3"). A single opus number may refer to a collection of works (e.g. a set of quartets) giving rise to designations like "Op. 1, No. 4". For misc. works without opus numbers, "WoO" is often used (e.g."Without Opus"). Posthumously assigned numbers may use "Op. posth". Opus numbers may not precisely reflect chronology (publication vs. composition), can be erroneous, sparse or duplicative. Thus, the works of some historically important composers may use separate catalog numbers (e.g. Bach, Haydn, Schubert). See wiki
rondeau, rondeaux—An early Baroque instrumental form featuring a recurring refrain interspersed with contrasting couplets or episodes. Eventually transformed into the Rondo of the classical period.
sonata, sonate, suonato—a complicated term. Originally, "sounded" rather than "sung" (sonar vs. cantar), e.g. instrumental music. According to historical period, sonata began to imply a formal plan of movements as well as the structure within a single movement, e.g. sonata form. In general usage as a work title, it designates a multi-movement piece for solo or duo instruments with one of the instruments enjoying a feature role.
violin sonata—a multi-movement work for violin and keyboard (or continuo) though there are sonatas for solo violin as well as sonatas in a single movement. While the violin would seem to be the featured instrument, many sonatas starting with the classical period find the piano to be an equal partner in the sense of a chamber work for two players.