This recording explores the rise and development of the solo sonata in Italy, the land of its origin. In the early part of the seventeenth century the violin and cornett were considered virtually interchangeable and were equally prized for both their expressive and virtuosic capabilities. Early sonatas were composed with either instrument in mind and many were published with the written instruction “violino o cornetto”. As the century progressed the violin gradually gained supremacy over the cornett and composers, often violinists themselves, wrote in an increasingly idiomatic style for the violin. Uniquely in modern times, Theresa Caudle plays both instruments and with the varied continuo team of her ensemble Canzona produces an abundance of instrumental colours and array of styles in this musical journey through the seventeenth century