FRANCISCO XAVIER BAPTISTA (? - 1797)
Sonatas I, II, IV, V, VIII, X and XII
Sonata II in G Major [5.37]
Sonata IV in B flat Major [4.40]
Sonata V in C Major [6.11]
Sonata VI in E flat Major [8.33]
Sonata I in C minor [7.50]
Sonata VIIII in C minor [7.22]
Sonata X in A Major [7.34]
Sonata XII in D Major [3.38]
Cremilde Rosado Fernandes
- pianoforte
rec: June 1986.
STRAUS PORTUGALSOM
SP 4062 [51.58]
![[Image]](pict1.jpg)
Little is known about the Portuguese composer Francisco Xavier Baptista,
who lived in Lisbon in the second half of the 18th century other than that
he was first organist at the cathedral of St. Mary in Lisbon and that he
died in 1797. Few of his works have been published; only his twelve harpsichord
sonatas and a Modinha for two voices and harpsichord. This recording
contains 8 of the 12 keyboard sonatas.
This disc is a wonderful surprise. While the music is simple, even childish
at times, with a distinct "music box" feel to some of the pieces, there is
something compelling about its simplicity. All these sonatas, except one,
follow a basic two-movement binary form (the remaining sonata, number 12,
being just one movement), recalling the sonatas of his fellow Portuguese
composer Carlos Seixas or the Italian Domenico Scarlatti.
These pieces are performed with pleasure and joy, using tasteful non-intrusive
ornamentation. Fernandes shows a real understanding of these pieces, with
a mastery of dynamics that fit perfectly with the works.
The sound of the recording is, unfortunately, unequal. There are times when
the instrument seems very present, and others when it is a bit distant and
muted. But the instrument used has a very enjoyable sound, and the choice
of a pianoforte (the direct ancestor of the piano), while strange for works
explicitly written for the harpsichord, is justified by the result of the
recording. The pianoforte was chosen because of its popularity in Lisbon
in the late 18th century, and fans of this instrument will be delighted by
this disc.
A delightful recording, on pianoforte, of some little-known Portuguese keyboard
sonatas from the late 18th century.
Kirk McElhearn
CONTACT DETAILS
The prices are: UK pounds £6 and US dollars $10 (freight not
included).
The transport costs are :
For UK----- 1 or 2 CDs ------UK£1.60; 3 CDs ----£2.50
Freight --- till 3 cd's --- not registered --- £2.40;registered----
£3.50
For USA---- 1 or 2 CDs-----US$3.50 ; 3 CDs --- $5.50
Freight --till 3cd's -- not registered ---$5 ;registered ---- $6.80
Orders can come by fax to
fax number 351 1 7141723,
by e-mail to: info@strauss.pt
or by mail for attention Eduarda Martins to the address:
Strauss,SA
Rua Adelaide Cabete, 3C,
1500-023 LISBOA
Portugal.
Credit cards (Visa and Amex) are accepted with the name of the buyer, credit
card number, validity date and type of card.
Orders and enquiries for this disc to
Strauss S.A.
Rua Adelaide Cabete 3-C
1500 Lisboa
Portugal
phone 01 7151151 - 7143490
fax 01 7141723
