Steffani - Son Tres-Humble Service

These chamber duets bear witness to the close friendship between Agostino Steffani and Sophie Charlotte of Hanover. They became acquainted in the 1680s and remained in touch until 1703, by which time she was 'queen in Prussia'. A talented individual, she sang, played the harpsichord and wrote poesia per musica. Steffani composed five duets for her and made a collection of twenty-six others that he intended to give her. As he revised them for presentation, he corresponded with her, and she sent him unbridled encouragement. Her admiration leaps from her letters, quoted in the liner note, and it's effect is audible in the music it inspired.