Presents
Johan Helmich Roman
Trio Sonata No.3 in e minor for 2 Violins and Cello, BeRi.115-New Edition
Johan Helmich Roman (1694-1758) was born in Stockholm. He is often referred to as the Father of Swedish Music and or the Swedish Handel, whom he had the opportunity to meet and befriend. His father was an accomplished musician and member of the Royal Swedish Chapel. He taught Johan violin and oboe. Between 1715 and 1721, Roman lived in London where he studied with Johann Christoph Pepusch. During this time, he had a chance to get to know some of the most prominent composers then active in England including Geminiani, Bonocini and Handel whose music made a lasting impression upon him. Roman, as were most from this era, a very prolific composer.
His Trio Sonata No.3 in e minor BeRi. 115 is apparently from a set of ten, the manuscripts to which can be found in the library of Åbo Akademi University located in Turku, Finland as well as in the Swedish National Library. Although we do not know when exactly it was first published, judging from its style, which clearly shows the influence of Handel, it is likely that this work was composed in the mid 1720’s after Roman returned to Sweden from England. It is in four movements and opens with a stately Largo. It is followed by a lively, canonic Vivace. In third place, Roman puts a sedate, reflective Lento. The finale is simply marked Non presto. One would not be surprised if told that the work was composed by Handel because it certainly owes much to his musical style.
Please note that while the soundbites have have a reed organ doubling the cello part, this is not orginal or authentic as the manuscript does not call for any keyboard instrument but only the three strings. Unfortunately, we were unable to find an authentic performance of this fine baroque work.
Parts: $14.95
Parts & Score: $19.95
