Johann Rosenmüller Sonate a 2, 3, 4 è 5 stromenti, da arco & altri Ensemble Masques Olivier Fortin, harpsichord and direction ACD2 2660 • It was during the 25 years Rosenmüller (1617-1684) spent in Venice that he wrote the most personal and expressive of his instrumental music, which was tinged by Italian sensuality.   The 12 Sonate a 2, 3, 4 è 5 stromenti, da arco & altri, which Rosenmüller had almost certainly composed in Venice, constitute the most accomplished of his music. • The title indicates that though other instruments may play them, these pieces are primarily intended for strings.   Each sonata consists of from 3 to 12 short sections more or less linked together, and the collection is arranged in increasing order by the number of musicians required; they are written for from 2 to 5 parts, with basso continuo. • Masques is a Montreal-based early music ensemble acclaimed for its expressiveness, the eloquence of its musical interpretations, and the dynamic musical involvement of its members.   Founder and Artistic Director Olivier Fortin is increasingly sought after as a soloist and chamber musician.   He is active as a recording artist and tours regularly throughout Europe, the United States and Canada with ensembles such as Masques, Capriccio Stravagante and the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. JOHANN ROSENMÜLLER 1617-1684 Sonate a 2, 3, 4 è 5 stromenti, da arco & altri   1. Sonata Decima à 5 en fa majeur | in F major     5:25   2. Sonata Nona à 5 en ré majeur | in D major     5:19   3. Sonata Ottava à 4 en si bémol majeur | in B flat major     6:08   4. Sonata Prima à 2 en sol mineur | in G minor     6:19   5. Sonata Settima à 4 en ré mineur | in D minor     6:18   6. Sonata Sesta à 3 en la majeur | in F major     6:14   7. Sonata Quarta à 3 en do majeur | in C major     5:38   8. Sonata Quinta à 3 en sol mineur | in G minor     6:47   9. Sonata Terza à 2 en ré mineur | in D minor     4:59 10. Sonata Undecima à 5 en la majeur | in A major     4:32 11. Sonata Seconda à 2 en mi mineur | in E minor     8:49 12. Sonata Duodecima à 5 en ré mineur | in D minor     4:21 ATMA Classique is distributed in Australia by Rockian Trading PO Box 44, Briar Hill, Vic, 3088, Australia Telephone +61 (0)3 9432 4149 ~ Facsimile +61 (0)3 9444 6879