The history of this instrument, resembling a small lute, dates back four centuries. It was developed in Italy, but quickly became popular all over the world, also as a folk instrument. During Wratislavia Cantans, Avi Avital, who returns to Wrocław after many years to perform baroque works, will play the mandolin. He will be accompanied by harpsichordist Sebastian Wienand.

Migrations are an integral part of human life, artists included. Thanks to their travels, their work gains new colours and character and reflects the diversity of cultures and influences with which they come into contact. The programme includes works created during the travels of Baroque composers: Scarlatti composed at the Spanish court, Bach served as kappelmeister in Köthen, and it is believed that Vivaldi worked in Prague. These journeys and the experiences lived during them had an impact on the artists’ styles, making their works extremely colourful and diverse.

We will start our musical journey with Domenico Scarlatti's Sonata in D minor K. 90. The date of its creation is not exactly known, but it is assumed that it was written while its composer was at the Spanish court. Iberian influences can be heard in the full bravado and expression of the piece with a typical four-part structure.

From his youth, Antonio Vivaldi accompanied his father on tours, developing his musical skills. His Trio Sonatas: in G minor RV 85 and C major RV 82 were most likely composed during Vivaldi’s stay in Prague in 1730–1731. Both works are dedicated to Count Johann Joseph von Wrtby – an enthusiast of the sound of the lute and a friend of Vivaldi. Although they were originally written for lute, violin and basso continuo, at the festival they will be presented in arrangements for mandolin (accompanied by b.c.).

We will also hear Ciaccona – the last movement of Bach’s famous Partita in D minor BWV 1004. Bach’s genius revealed in this work has made it a source of fascination for both composers and instrumentalists to this day. The work has been subject to countless arrangements and transcriptions, which only highlights its absolute phenomenon. Bach completed his Partita in Köthen, where he served as kappelmeister and where, due to Prince Leopold’s strict Calvinist approach to church music, he focused on secular compositions. Presumably, Ciaccona itself was created to commemorate his first wife, Maria Barbara Bach. Sonata in E minor BWV 1034 was most likely written in Köthen too – originally for flute and basso continuo. It consists of four movements that refer to the popular Baroque form of sonata da chiesa (“church sonata”). The fourth movement is particularly interesting, mainly due to the form of the canon, where one part imitates another. Bach requires considerable technical skills from the performer. It is therefore not surprising that the Israeli mandolinist – Avi Avital – will end his recital with its performance.