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For her 24th recording for Cedille Records, violinist Rachel Barton Pine joins forces with Chicago’s leading period instrument specialists David Schrader, John Mark Rozendaal, and Brandon Acker to record Arcangelo Corelli’s seminal set of 12 Violin Sonatas, Op. 5.

“An exciting, boundary-defying performer” (Washington Post), Pine has been described as “a most accomplished Baroque violinist, fully the equal of the foremost specialists” (Gramophone). Known for her versatility across a vast repertoire — from Renaissance to heavy metal — she has studied period performance practice extensively and performs on the viola d’amore, renaissance violin, and medieval rebec. She has appeared as soloist with Apollo’s Fire, the Seattle and Indianapolis Baroque Orchestras, Baroque Band, and Ars Antigua, and has performed concertos with Nicholas McGegan, Jeannette Sorrell, and Frans Brüggen.

Published in 1700, Corelli’s Twelve Violin Sonatas are foundational in the evolution of both the sonata and concerto forms. This recording explores these compositions through a historically informed approach, utilizing an array of instruments, each chosen to enhance the expressive nuances of Corelli’s music.

Reflecting the era’s experimental spirit, the ensemble embraces the interpretative freedom suggested by Corelli’s original scores. Schrader alternates between organ and harpsichord, Rozendaal between violoncello and viola da gamba, and Acker performs on theorbo, archlute, and baroque guitar. Pine, inspired by the versatility of her colleagues, performs the famous “Follia” variations (Sonata No. 12) on an original-condition Gagliano viola d’amore, exploring this rarely used instrument in an authentic historical context.

Corelli: Violin Sonatas, Op. 5, was produced and engineered by the Grammy-winning team of James Ginsburg and Bill Maylone. It was recorded on February 21, 23, and 25, 2024 and April 29–May 2, 2024, at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, IL.