SONATA in C minor RV53

The only source for this C minor sonata of Vivaldi's, apparently discovered in 1860, is a manuscript score in the Saxon State Library, Dresden which is titled " Sonata per Oboe Solo Del S' Vivaldi". That, and the fact that it is the only known work by him for just oboe and basso continuo, has raised doubt as to its authenticity. But it bears hallmarks of Vivaldi's style - "abrupt modulations, unusual juxtapositions of major and minor modes, unpredictable changes in harmonic rhythm." and in the absence of an alternative candidate for its composition, opinion seems to settle on Vivaldi.

Whoever composed it, he (or she) wrote in the Dorian mode (tonally speaking, with a 'key signature' of 2 flats) but this edition is transcribed into the tonal system and so has the key signature of C minor ( 3 flats). As was common practice at the time of its composition - believed to be c.1716-1717, the bass was unfigured and it has been realized in this edition, following the usual conventions. For the most part, phrasing and dynamics have been left to the judgement of the player as has ornamentation which is particularly important in the third movement which, as written, is stark.

• Allegro
• Andante
• Allegro

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