Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Baroque music with Benedetto Marcello's "Sinfonias & Cantatas," a captivating collection released on June 16, 2023, by Deutsche Harmonia Mundi. This album is a testament to Marcello's brilliance as both a composer and a public official, offering a unique blend of sinfonias and cantatas that showcase his mastery of the genre.
The album spans a generous 69 minutes, featuring a variety of pieces that highlight Marcello's skill in crafting both instrumental and vocal works. The sinfonias, composed for a quartet of two violins, viola, and basso continuo, are particularly noteworthy. These pieces, such as the Sinfonia a quattro No. 1 in B-Flat Major and Sinfonia a quattro No. 5 in D Major, are characterized by their lively rhythms and elegant melodies, providing a delightful contrast to the more introspective cantatas.
The cantatas, including works like "A voi prati felici" and "Qual turbine improvviso," are equally compelling. These pieces feature a mix of recitatives and arias, showcasing Marcello's ability to convey a range of emotions through his music. The vocal performances are particularly noteworthy, with singers bringing a sense of drama and passion to these works.
Throughout the album, Marcello's influence as a writer and advocate is evident. His music is not just a product of its time but also a reflection of his intellectual and artistic pursuits. The album is a must-listen for anyone interested in Baroque music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring appeal of Marcello's compositions.
Performances by Nuria Rial and La Floridiana, along with conductor Nicoleta Paraschivescu, bring Marcello's works to life with precision and passion. This album is a celebration of Marcello's legacy, offering a glimpse into the world of 18th-century Italian music and the genius of one of its most accomplished composers.
(P) 2023 Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH
Tracks
Sinfonia a quattro No. 1 in B-Flat Major, SF C781: I. LargoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 1 in B-Flat Major, SF C781: II. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 1 in B-Flat Major, SF C781: III. GavottaBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
A voi prati felici, SelM A4: I. A voi prati felici (Recitativo)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
A voi prati felici, SelM A4: II. Voi fiori che siete (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
A voi prati felici, SelM A4: III. Fiori sentite, il so (Recitativo)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
A voi prati felici, SelM A4: IV. Perchè non dirmi, o fior (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Sinfonia a quattro No. 5 in D Major, SF C776: I. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 5 in D Major, SF C776: II. AdagioBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 5 in D Major, SF C776: III. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Qual turbine improvviso, SF A266: I. Qual turbine improvviso (Recitativo)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Qual turbine improvviso, SF A266: II. Al turbine che freme (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Qual turbine improvviso, SF A266: III. Ma già sereno il cielo (Recitativo)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Qual turbine improvviso, SF A266: IV. Men fiera procella (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Sinfonia a quattro No. 2 in A Major, SF C777: I. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 2 in A Major, SF C777: II. LargoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 2 in A Major, SF C777: III. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Ti sento, Amor, ti sento, SelM A350a: I. Ti sento, Amor, ti sento (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Ti sento, Amor, ti sento, SelM A350a: II. Dorinda sventurata (Recitativo)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Ti sento, Amor, ti sento, SelM A350a: III. Pur che tu m'ami (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Sinfonia a quattro No. 4 in G Major, SF C779: I. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 4 in G Major, SF C779: II. LargoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 4 in G Major, SF C779: III. PrestissimoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Non son morta nel partire, SF A213: I. Non son morta nel partire (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Non son morta nel partire, SF A213: II. Dovean dovean quest'occhi (Recitativo)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Non son morta nel partire, SF A213: III. Quando mai sarà quel dì (Aria)Benedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu, Núria Rial
Sinfonia a quattro No. 3 in G Major, SF C778: I. AdagioBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 3 in G Major, SF C778: II. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 3 in G Major, SF C778: III. LargoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
Sinfonia a quattro No. 3 in G Major, SF C778: IV. PrestoBenedetto Marcello, La Floridiana, Nicoleta Paraschivescu
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