A wild virtuosic journey from the origins of the trio sonata in Italy
to the height of its musical power in England under Handel.

Italy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was the centre of European musical life. Famed for its instrument makers such as Stradivarius and Amati and its generous system of patronage at the various courts, music could only thrive and reach new heights.

Huge developments in instrumental music during the 17th century led to the creation of one of the most durable musical forms of the baroque era - the trio sonata.

The trio sonata always features four players; two interweaving melody instruments supported by the foundation of the bass line, played by a melodic bass instrument and a harmonic one, in this case cello and harpsichord.

This programme illustrates the development of the genre from its earliest conception by S. Rossi (left), through the fireworks of Corelli (right), to its dominance throughout Europe. Our musical journey culminates with the mature style of Handel, writing at the height of his success in England.