Ensemble Zefiro Photo: Marin Barza
A former pupil at the celebrated St Thomas School in Leipzig, Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688–1758) somewhat reluctantly accepted the position of Kapellmeister (music director) at the court of Anhalt-Zerbst (100 km north of Leipzig) in 1722.
He was to remain there for thirty-six years, composing large quantities of sacred music for the court chapel and instrumental music for performance in the palace. Contemporaries commented admiringly on Fasch’s innovative use of orchestral instruments, including woodwinds.
This four-movement sonata is a virtuoso quartet for two oboes, bassoon and basso continuo composed in the Italian style, alternating Largo and Allegro movements. (Notes by Samantha Owens)
The members of Ensemble Zefiro are: Alfredo Bernardini (oboe), Paolo Grazzi (oboe), Dileno Baldin (horn), Francesco Meucci (horn), Alberto Grazzi (bassoon), Giorgio Mandolesi (bassoon).
Recorded in Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ
Sound engineer: Graham Kennedy
