Aubert, Jacques: Two Sonatas

Sonatas 1 and 4 from op. 25: Sonates à violon seul et basse continue, Livre V

The Parisian composer Jacques Aubert (1689–1753) is known mainly for the many attractive sonatas and concertos he wrote for his own instrument, the violin. Some of his collections of violin sonatas, however, are described on their title pages as containing works suitable for flute. Although individual works are not headed to this effect, it is easy to tell from their technical and stylistic characteristics which are the pieces in question. Aubert’s fifth book of violin sonatas, his last and most impressive, contains two such works: the first and fourth. It makes sense to publish these together as a pair playable by either instrument. Aubert’s music is under-represented in modern editions, and the present pair of sonatas will give great pleasure to performers and listeners alike.