Ann Roux / Marieanne Lee / Lionel Desmeules NICOLAS CAPRON Premier Livre de Sonates à Violon Seul et Basse

Nicolas Capron dedicated his First book of sonatas for violin solo and basso continuo to the Count of Lauraguais, a man of intelligence and extravagant figure, immensely rich and learned. Here, we are continually impressed and moved by the composer’s extraordinary abundance and expressive variety of musical motifs; were there words, it would be akin to taking part in a musical drama displaying a complete range of emotions, from tragical to comical. Capron chisels each of his propositions by finely combining mode, range, rhythm, accompaniment, and then multiplies its expression by juxtaposing motifs with contrasting affects. He enhances his writing with numerous technical prowesses that also contribute to its expressivity, in particular the use of the highest pitch of the violin, which can produce the effect of an echo, of surprise or moving fragility. Graceful and unexpected passages in staccato-legato also appear here and there to charm the listener. Often, his fast movements include developments with raging arpeggios, as dazzling as formidable; his slow movements are moving both by their simplicity and trueness of expression. In one word, the Capron sonatas are a magnificent example of galant style music.