Fontana/ Gabrieli - Sonate

Cornettist William Dongois performs nine sonatas by Giovanni Battista Fontana. Born in Brescia, Fontana was active in Venice, Rome and Padua, where he died in 1630 during a plague epidemic. He was an outstanding violinist, and his only surviving opus with 18 instrumental sonatas is an important testimonial for the emergence of autonomous instrumental music. In addition, three instrumental canzonas for large ensembles are included, as well as an instrumental version of the great motet Exaudi Domine by Giovanni Gabrieli.