Six Sonatas for Harpsichord or Piano

Elisabetta de Gambarini (1731-1765) was an English composer, soprano, and orchestra conductor. She published three volumes of harpsichord music.
The subscription list from the original 1747 publication, attests to the popularity of Gambarini’s music, naming over 200 subscribers, including G. F. Handel.

These Six Lessons or Sonatas are imaginative two-voice compositions (in the style of Scarlatti or Bach), with each sonata containing three short movements (except for Sonata II, which has two). Most of the first movements are in binary form. The middle movements are often chromatic and filled with pathos and ornamented melodies. A movement in dance rhythm serves as the last. These gigue-type last movements in 12/8 or 6/8 meter are energetic and driving, examples of Baroque music at its frolicking best.

Compact disc recording, Sonatas by Elizabeth, Hester Park CD 7702.