Antonio Vivaldi

Sonata in C minor RV 53

Vivaldi's only oboe sonata requires an interpretation, since the thoroughbass part is not figured. Thanks to Martin Nitz’s stylistically authentic realization and careful editorial work, this rather neglected piece is sure to find many new friends.
It is generally quite easy to adapt sonatas for Baroque oboe (and continuo) to the soprano recorder since both instruments have an identical range. Yet considering the great popularity of the previously published works, it is strange that Antonio Vivaldi's only sonata for this instrument has received little attention to date.
This edition is based on a manuscript preserved in the Sächsische Landesbibliothek Dresden under the class. no. Mus. 2389-S-1. The preparation of the edition entailed the adjustment of the accidentals to present-day practice, and the realization of the (unfigured) thoroughbass part. No slurs were added to those already contained in the manuscript so as to allow the performer to find his own solutions. Otherwise the virtually error-free manuscript was reproduced without change.
We wish to thank the directors of the Sächsische Landesbibliothek Dresden for their authorization to publish the work.
(Hamburg, Fall 1995 - Martin Nitz