Born in Matera in 1709, Egidio Duni was taught by his father the composer Francesco Duni. At the age of 9 he entered the Conservatorio in Naples, where his teachers were Pergolesi and Paisiello. His opera debut was in 1735 in Rome with Nerone, a resounding success. Like many of his generation he went to London where his opera Demafoonte (with the last appearance of the great castrato Farinelli!) was a sensation. A serious illness brought him to The Netherlands where he consulted the famousdoctor Boerhaave, who cured him. He spent several years in Holland, composing instrumental chamber music for the amusement of the wealthy bourgeoisie. The last years of his life were spent in France, where he was one of the founders of the Opera Comique. The Trio Sonatas Op. 1 were written in Holland, published in Rotterdamin 1739. The works are for two violins and basso continuo. The present recording by the DuniEnsemble uses two flutes (an alternative indicated by the composer) and a wide variety of instruments forming the continuo: cellos, bassoon, theorbo, baroque guitar and harpsichord. • The first recording of the Trio Sonatas by Egidio Duni: vivid, attractive and melodious music full of instrumental virtuosity and dazzling colours!