Johann Georg Pisendel (1687–1755) was a preeminent German Baroque violinist and composer, whose contributions to the musical world left significant impressions on the repertoire for violin and the development of the early Classical style. Born in Cadolzburg in present-day Bavaria, Pisendel demonstrated exceptional musical talent early on. His proficiency on the violin led him to study with some of the most notable composers of his time, including Giuseppe Torelli and Antonio Vivaldi.

Pisendel's career flourished when he became the concertmaster of the prestigious court orchestra in Dresden, a position he held for many years until his death. There, he was central to the introduction and cultivation of the Italian instrumental style in Germany. Throughout his life, he composed numerous works for violin, including sonatas and concerti, characterized by their vibrant melodiousness and technical demands on the player. Although much of Pisendel's music has been lost or overshadowed by his contemporaries, the surviving pieces, such as his "Sonata for Solo Violin in A Minor," "Violin Sonata in E Minor," and various concerto movements, provide a window into his virtuosic skill and innovative compositional voice. His influence was considerable during his lifetime, and modern revivals and recordings of his work, as seen in releases like "Pisendel: Neue Sonaten" and "Johann Georg Pisendel: Concerti con varii strumenti. Dresdner Konzerte," have allowed today's audiences to rediscover and appreciate his contributions to the musical canon.

Genres

Baroque

German Baroque

Latest Release

Pisendel: Sonata for Solo Violin in A Minor: III. Giga

Johann Georg Pisendel•

Isabelle Faust

Single - Released October 6, 2023