A. Vivaldi - Concerto per Flautino in G major RV 443 (Sheet music, Score)

Описание: For soprano recorder, strings and basso continuo

I. Allegro (0:00)
Il. Largo (3:51)
IlI. Allegro molto (7:31)
Composed: probably after 1720/1724

This is usually played in C with a sopranino recorder in F, or even a piccolo. However, on the sole surviving manuscript, presented here, the composer instructs that the instruments (of the orchestra) should be transposed a fourth (lower). This allows the recorder player to use a soprano recorder in C, while playing the part as notated on the score (without any transposition) using the same fingerings as he would on an alto recorder in F, thus making it sound a fourth lower - this as a convenience to the player for whom this type of instrument would have been more usual. And because alto was the "norm", the term "flautino" (small flute) could equally apply to the soprano and sopranino recorders which are both "smaller".
The above was established by the conductor, composer and flautist Federico Maria Sardelli, a leading Vivaldi scholar. Previously, the indication to transpose was mostly disregarded because it could not be understood or made to work. While the manuscript was prepared by the composer with
these parameters in mind - soprano recorder in C, with the concerto in G major -, it does not exclude the possibilty that the concerto would also have been played as written, in C with a sopranino recorder in F, as perhaps it was originally conceived.
There is however no concrete evidence left of this, because as has been said this is the sole surviving source; and on this at least, the indication to transpose was originally present from the start, because it prevented the composer to add his trademark signature "Del Vivaldi" in the usual spot for lack of space.


Performers: Amsterdam Vivaldi Players. Lucie Horsch, flautino
Decca 4830896 (   • VIVALDI | Concerto per Flautino | RV 443 i...  )

Sheet Music: https://s9.imslp.org/files/imglnks/us...