Immerse yourself in the elegant and refined world of William Boyce's "Boyce: Trio Sonatas," a masterful collection of Baroque chamber music that showcases the composer's virtuosic command of the trio sonata form. Released in 1999 by Chandos, this album presents a comprehensive journey through Boyce's complete trio sonatas, performed with exquisite precision and artistry by Simon Standage and the Collegium Musicum 90.
Spanning over an hour and forty minutes, the album features 12 trio sonatas, each comprising multiple movements that range from the contemplative and serene to the lively and spirited. Boyce's compositions, characterized by their intricate counterpoint and melodic richness, are brought to life with a sense of historical authenticity and musical insight. The performances capture the essence of the Baroque era, with a delicate balance of expressiveness and technical brilliance.
The album begins with the Trio Sonata No. 1 in A Minor, setting the stage with a Largo movement that exudes a sense of grandeur and introspection. Each subsequent sonata offers a unique blend of moods and tempos, from the playful Allegro movements to the solemn and reflective Adagios. The inclusion of various dance-inspired movements, such as the Tempo di minuetto and the Tempo di gavotta, adds a dynamic and engaging dimension to the collection.
William Boyce, an influential English composer of the mid-18th century, is celebrated for his contributions to the development of English music. His trio sonatas, though less frequently performed than those of his contemporaries, stand as testament to his musical genius and enduring legacy. This album provides a rare opportunity to explore the full scope of Boyce's chamber music, offering both seasoned classical enthusiasts and curious newcomers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
"Boyce: Trio Sonatas" is a testament to the enduring appeal of Baroque music, showcasing the timeless beauty and sophistication of William Boyce's compositions. With its meticulous performances and comprehensive tracklist, this album is an essential addition to any classical music collection, inviting listeners to delve into the intricate and captivating world of Boyce's musical vision.
1999 Chandos Records1999 Chandos Records
Tracks
Trio Sonata No. 1 in A Minor: I. LargoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 1 in A Minor: II. FugaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 1 in A Minor: III. Allegro ma non troppoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 2 in F Major: I. Andante vivaceWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 2 in F Major: II. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 2 in F Major: III. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 2 in F Major: IV. Allegro ma non troppoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: I. LargoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: II. FugaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: III. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 3 in A Major: IV. Tempo di minuettoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 4 in G Minor: I. GratiosoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 4 in G Minor: II. MarchWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 4 in G Minor: III. tempo di gavottaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Major: I. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Major: II. LargoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Major: III. FugaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 6 in B-Flat Major: I. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 6 in B-Flat Major: II. VivaceWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 6 in B-Flat Major: III. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 6 in B-Flat Major: IV. AffettuosoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 7 in D Minor: I. AndanteWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 7 in D Minor: II. FugaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 7 in D Minor: III. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 7 in D Minor: IV. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 8 in E-Flat Major: I. LargoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 8 in E-Flat Major: II. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 8 in E-Flat Major: III. SicilianaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 8 in E-Flat Major: IV. Tempo di minuettoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 9 in C Major: I. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 9 in C Major: II. FugaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 9 in C Major: III. CanoneWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 9 in C Major: IV. SpirituosoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 10 in E Minor: I. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 10 in E Minor: II. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 10 in E Minor: III. LargoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 10 in E Minor: IV. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 11 in C Minor: I. AdagioWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 11 in C Minor: II. FugaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 11 in C Minor: III. AffettuosoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 11 in C Minor: IV. AllegroWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 12 in G Major: I. ModeratoWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
Trio Sonata No. 12 in G Major: II. Tempo di GavottaWilliam Boyce, Simon Standage, Collegium Musicum 90
William Boyce, born in London in 1711, was one of England's most distinguished composers of the Baroque era, often hailed as the nation's greatest native-born composer of his time. His musical journey began as a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of Maurice Greene. Boyce's career flourished, leading him to become the Master of the King's Musick in 1755 and an organist at the Chapel Royal in 1758. Despite facing deafness later in life, he continued to compose, leaving behind a rich legacy of odes, anthems, symphonies, and stage music that resonate with the grandeur of the royal court and the vibrant energy of 18th-century London.
Boyce's compositions, including his celebrated "8 Symphonies in 8 Parts" and various overtures, showcase his mastery of the Baroque style and his ability to captivate audiences with his melodic prowess and harmonic innovation. His works, performed in grand settings and intimate gatherings alike, reflect his deep understanding of musical structure and his knack for creating pieces that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Boyce's influence extended beyond his compositions; he was also a respected musical editor and a mentor to younger musicians, including the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His contributions to English music are immense, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and enthusiasts alike.
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William Boyce
