Violoncello Trio Arrangement: Paxton, Sonata No. 6 in D Major, Op. 4, II. Largo sostenuto

Stephen Paxton (1734–1787)

arr. Erin Lupardus

Sonata No. 6 in D Major, Op. 4

   II. Largo sostenuto

The musical landscape of the 18th century British Isles represents the final ovation of the pre-Classical era—a setting that celebrated the integration of diverse voices prior to the rise of the 19th century nationalism and exoticism that came to dictate Europe’s musical output. Rather than viewing the century as a period of “foreign domination,” the epoch ushered in a new taste for the antique and the adopted, distilled with British dignity. Fueled by Italophilia, the transplantation and transformation of the Italian style begot an extraordinary appreciation for the violoncello and the mass publication of violoncello treatises and solo repertoire, prolonging the fervor for its earliest usage as a solo instrument in 17th century Italy. This luscious movement of Violoncello Sonata No. 6 by Stephen Paxton, cellist, represents a Briton writing in this blended style and is, in my opinion, one of the finest jewels of this exceptional era.

For this arrangement, I transcribed this incredible recording, keeping many of their ornaments. I then arranged the movement for three cellos and included a passage from of the March from Händel's "Scipione" that possibly influenced Paxton in writing this sonata. For my recording of this movement, click here.

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