The Rotterdam-born cellist, composer and music engraver Alexis Magito (1711–1773) was a member of a well-known 18th-century Dutch family of musicians, fairground showmen and acrobats. He studied in Leiden and from 1763 was active in Cambridge, England, giving concerts with the Dutch violinist Pieter Hellendaal and the double bass player John Wynne, among others. The Six cello sonatas, Op. 1, were published by Wynne around 1759 and were probably engraved by Magito himself. He died in London, ‘a man very eminent in his profession, and generally respected’ (Cambridge Chronicle, October 1773). 2023 marks the 250th anniversary of his death.

Magito is the five-times great-uncle of British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who discovered his long-forgotten ancestor during research for a programme in the BBC TV series Who Do You Think You Are? (Season 20, June 2023). The editor of the present edition played extracts of Magito's first sonata for him during the filming.

Magito's sonatas are at once beautifully melodic and virtuosic. They were unmistakably composed by a composer who knew the technical possibilities of the instrument. 

They are suitable for advanced amateurs and professionals alike.

 Music example Sonata No. 4 (pdf)
 Music example Sonata No. 5 (pdf)
 Music example Sonata No. 6 (pdf)