JOSEPH-HECTOR FIOCCO (1703-1741)

"Premiere" Suite for harpsichord "Pieces de Clavecin"

11. Andante

12. Vivace

Performed by Ton Koopman

*Joseph-Hector Fiocco, born in Brussels, was a Flemish (Belgian) composer and violinist of the high and late Baroque period.

His father, the Italian composer Pietro Antonio Fiocco, and one his older brothers (he had 14 siblings, including the composer and choirmaster Jean-Joseph) were responsible for his musical education. He was also a professor of Greek and Latin. He worked as a musician in the cathedral at Antwerp, where he was in charge of the music for the services. In 1737 he returned to Brussels and worked in the Church of St. Gudule. He died in Brussels at age 38.

Some of his most famous works are Lamentations Du Jeudi Saint, Missa Solemnis and Pièces de Clavecin. His two suites for harpsichord were dedicated to the Duke of Arenberg, and they incorporate French and Italian styles. The first suite begins in the style of Couperin and ends with four Italian-style movements: adagio, allegro, andante and vivace. He is also known to Suzuki violin students for his Allegro, which is part of the Book 6 Suzuki violin repertoire. This piece has also been arranged for string quartet, and is often played at weddings. He wrote many religious vocal works, including motets and masses.

Intressant nocturne. Det blir ju en annan melodik med fiol än med originalet för bara piano. Och i den här har ju inte Chopin stoppat in så mycket bimelodier och andra detaljer som kunde ha kommit i skymundan på pianot. (Fast kadensen tyckte jag var kanske litet fåfäng, i kontrast mot Chopins egna toner. Eller är det jag som "är överkänslig" som vanligt?…)