Balicourt, Simon - Sonata in D minor and A minor

ISBN	9781910359587 (1910359580)
ISMN	9790708146537 (M708146537)

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The Andante opening Sonata 3, in D minor, demonstrates Balicourt’s mastery of a lyricism that is entirely natural and elegant without ever becoming bland. The vivacious Allegro that follows has an endearing playfulness reminiscent of Vivaldi. The third movement, Andante, moves to F major and is noteworthy for some delightful imitative play between flute and bass. A sprightly Minuetto brings up the rear. Sonata 4, in A minor, opens with a Largo of almost Handelian gravitas and continues with a fleet-footed Allegro that at several points contains Vivaldi-like violinistic figurations. For the concluding movement, a graceful Affettuoso, Balicourt switches to A major, a way of lightening the mood that was not yet common in 1750 but was soon to become a favoured practice in minor-key works.