Domenico Silvio Passionei - Famous Cardinal, Closet Cellist

What do you do when you're between gigs? If you're Domenico Silvio Passionei, you publish a set of cello sonatas. Cardinal Passoinei was the pope's official representative to the peace conference that produced the Treaty of Utrecht in 1712. With no further assignments on the horizon, he retired to his family estates until recalled to service in 1721.

Passionei was an enthusiastic amateur musician and composer, although he apparently downplayed such activities once he went to Rome. Nevertheless, during his temporary retirement, Passoinei managed to compose a set of twelve cello sonatas. This collection was published, presumably at his own expense, in 1718. 

The sonatas, for the most part, follow the model of Corelli. They have four movements, alternating slow and fast tempos. And the sonatas have a basso continuo - a harpsichord to provide the harmony, and a second cello to play the bass line. 

The musicians in this recording are first-rate. Cellist Gioele Guberti turns in home beautiful performances. Passionei may have been an amateur, but he knew his instrument. His music is full of double stops, rapid passagework, and other elements that lay well on the cello.

The musicians are closely mic'd, which adds to their performances, I think. Hearing that sharp intake of breath right before a sweeping arpeggio gives the passage some additional emotional weight. 

Passoinei knew his instrument, and he knew how to write melodies. There's something here for listeners as well as performances. Fascinating music from someone whose biography seldom mentions music at all.

Domenico Silvio Passionei: Sonatas for Cello
Gioele Guberti, cello; Claudiio Frigerio, cello; Marija Jovanovic, harpsichord
Urania Records