Sonata Prima

Sonata Prima composed by Louis-Nicolas Cleramboult (1676-1749)
Edited by Sally Fortino for two Flutes and Piano
Includes score and parts

“Sonata Prima, a trio sonata for two “dessus” and continuo, is the first and longest work in this manuscript. Although this piece contains many sections of differing characters, it is not separated into distinct movements. The change from one musical idea to the next is made by a change of meter and a corresponding alteration in rhythm and melody. 

No particular instruments are specified by Clerambault in the original manuscript. The presence of the French violin clef indicates a preference for performance on two violins, and the popularity of the viola da gamba and barpsichord in France at this tiem seems to poiunt to these instruments as the complementary continuo group.  Other possibilities are the use of two flutes or two oboes for the upper parts or any combination of flute, oboe and violin. Alternate bass instruments would be basooon, violoncello, lyte and organ. 

The bass part of this sonata is generally consistently-figured. Badly lined-up figured-bass symbols, when they occur, have been adjusted to match the harmonic changes indicated by the upper parts. For easier reading and legibility, all figured-bass numerals have been placed beneath the bass line and in their usual order.  The two continuo lines (one for th gamba or other melodic bass instrument, the other for the keyboard continuo) have been condensed into one part and the few inconsistencies between them ocrrected without comment.  The obligato bass line should be played by the melodic bass insturment.” -Fortino (Preface)