Programme

Francesco Maria Veracini (1690 -1768)

Sonata No.1 in F major 

Largo e nobile, Allegro, Largo, Allegro

Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751)

Sonata Op.6 No.6 in A minor

Grave - Allegro - Adagio - Allegro

Arcangelo Corelli (1653 - 1713)

Sonata Op.5 no. 4 in F major

Adagio - Allegro - Vivace - Adagio - Allegro

Giovanni Battista Vitali (1632 - 1692)

Chaconne in G minor

Francesco Geminiani (1687 - 1762)

Sonata Op.4 No.8 in D minor

Largo - Allegro - Andante - Allegro

Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)

Sonata Op.2 No.4, RV20 in F major

Andante - Allemanda Allegro - Sarabanda Andante - Corrente Presto 

Performers

Harpsichord: Joanne Camilleri

Baroque Violin: Jacob Portelli

Bassoon: Sally Jackson

Programme Notes

Italian Baroque violin sonatas highlight the virtuosic brilliance and lyrical beauty that flourished in 17th- and 18th-century Italy. Francesco Veracini’s Sonata No. 1 in F major exemplifies his bold and expressive style, marked by intricate ornamentation and dramatic contrasts. In Tomaso Albinoni’s Sonata in A minor, Op. 6 No. 6, lyrical elegance intertwines with rhythmic precision, showcasing the violin’s capacity for both emotional depth and technical skill. Arcangelo Corelli, a cornerstone of Baroque violin music, crafts a masterful balance between melodic clarity and structural complexity in his Sonata in F major, Op. 5 No. 4, influencing generations of composers. The Chaconne in G minor by Giovanni Battista Vitali is a monumental work, offering a series of variations over a repeating bass line, where the violin soars with improvisational freedom and dramatic intensity. Meanwhile, Francesco Geminiani’s Sonata in D minor, Op. 4 No. 8 exudes his distinctive blend of expressive lyricism and virtuosic display, pushing the violin to new expressive heights. Antonio Vivaldi’s Sonata in F major, Op. 2 No. 4 (RV 20) is a vivid example of his melodic inventiveness and rhythmic vitality, combining dance-like movements with rich harmonic textures, making the violin both sing and dazzle. Together, these works exemplify the breadth and depth of Italian Baroque violin sonatas, offering audiences a glimpse into the dramatic, emotional, and technically demanding world of Baroque string music. 

Biographies

Joanne Camilleri: Harpsichord

With a versatile concert repertoire ranging from the Baroque through to the 20th Century, Maltese pianist and harpsichordist Joanne Camilleri has performed around Europe and in Africa as a soloist and chamber musician, as well as in Asia and the United States as an orchestral pianist with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a member of the Valletta Baroque Ensemble, with whom she regularly performs. Some particularly memorable performances have included those at the Palais des Nations (Geneva), the Sainte-Chapelle (Paris), the Great Hall of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatoire, Shanghai Oriental Arts Center and Carnegie Hall (New York).

Joanne holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance, with a thesis specialising in Bach’s Goldberg Variations, a work which she has often performed to great acclaim. She has given many recitals particularly dedicated to works by J. S. Bach, and last January performed three of Bach’s keyboard concertos with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Collaborations with international baroque specialists have also included those with baroque violinist Catherine Martin and harpsichordists James Johnstone, Nick Parle and Steven Devine, amongst others. 

Joanne’s discography includes Bach’s Goldberg Variations, In Bach’s Footsteps and Chopin: The 24 Preludes.  

Jacob Portelli: Baroque Violin

Jacob Portelli is a versatile string player and founding member of the Cordia String Quartet, where he regularly performs at private and state functions, showcasing his extensive skill set. He holds an LRSM in both harp and violin, as well as a Diploma in viola, highlighting his dedication to mastering multiple instruments. Jacob's talents also extend to the baroque violin and baroque cello, where he serves as a member and leader of the continuo section of the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble (ViBE). Since 2020, he has been the resident harpist at the Archbishop's Curia.

Jacob's passion for music has taken him to various European cities, including Athens, Caltagirone, London, and Torino, where he has captivated audiences with his performances. His involvement in high-profile events underscores his standing in the music community; notably, in March 2024, he represented Malta at the Commonwealth Day celebration at Westminster Abbey.

Jacob's musical journey is marked by significant achievements, including the release of four studio albums in 2020: 'Kinnor,' 'Nevel,' 'The Christmas Song,' and 'We Three Kings'. These works reflect his artistic range and commitment to his craft, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished musician in the classical and baroque music scenes.

Sally Jackson: Basoon

Sally Jackson is a historical bassoon specialist. Having studied the modern bassoon at the Royal Academy of Music, she encountered the baroque bassoon after attending a master class in her post graduate year. She initially specialised on playing repertoire of the eighteenth century but as the period instrument movement moved forward to the classical, then romantic era and even into the early 20th century, her bassoon ‘family’ has grown to ten instruments which cover playing music from 1650 to the early 1920s. 

Sally is a player member of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in London and around this work freelances with other established groups in the UK, Europe and the USA.