Sonate in D major

Michel Corrette – 1709-1795​ was a French composer and most noted as an author of method books. The nearly twenty methods (for instruments including the violin, cello, bass, flute, recorder, bassoon, harpsichord, harp, and mandolin) provide invaluable information on performance practice of the 18th century; among the topics treated are contemporary English music, the differences between French and Italian styles, and the art of accompanying song at the harpsichord. Indeed Corrette’s Method (Paris 1772) for mandolin is one of the most enlightening and thorough of many written during that period.
This piece was probably originally intended for violin and piano. However, since Corrette was famous for rearranging both other composers’ works and his own for various instrumentations, and since he did indeed write for both mandolin and harp, this arrangement is particularly apt. This Sonata is also known as Les Jeux Olympiques.

This Sonata sits very comfortably on both mandolin and harp. The biggest challenge on plucked instruments is creating smooth and effective ornaments and trills. Try and make them as neat and simple as possible and in the case of grace notes place them on or as closer to the beat as is possible. In the outer two movements make the music sound sprightly. In the Aria it is important to create a graceful and elegant sound whilst keeping the piece moving forward, but never sounding rushed. This is a very rewarding piece to play as a duo since both instruments have constantly changing lines. Try and be aware of the intertwining lines between the two instruments and of each other’s parts.