Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Antonio Caldara's "Caldara: 12 Sinfonie a quatrro," a captivating collection of sinfonias meticulously arranged from his oratorios. This album, released on July 1, 2013, under the CPO label, offers a comprehensive journey through the composer's mastery of the sinfonia form, each piece brimming with rhythmic vitality and harmonic depth.
Antonio Caldara, a prolific composer of the late Baroque era, showcases his virtuosity in these twelve sinfonias, each uniquely crafted to reflect the dramatic and spiritual themes of their original oratorios. From the lively "Allegro assai" movements to the contemplative "Adagio" sections, Caldara's compositions are a testament to his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres.
The album spans a variety of keys and moods, beginning with the uplifting "Sinfonia No. 1 in D Major" and concluding with the dramatic "Sinfonia No. 12 in A Minor." Each sinfonia is a standalone masterpiece, yet together they form a cohesive and compelling narrative, showcasing Caldara's compositional genius and his enduring influence on the Baroque repertoire.
With a duration of 56 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Caldara's orchestral works, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to Baroque music a rich and rewarding listening experience. The precise arrangements and dynamic performances bring out the best in Caldara's compositions, making this a standout addition to any classical music collection.
2013 CPO2013 CPO
Tracks
Sinfonia No. 1 in D Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il martirio di San Terenziano): I. A tempo guisto e staccatoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 1 in D Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il martirio di San Terenziano): II. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 1 in D Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il martirio di San Terenziano): III. AdagioAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 1 in D Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il martirio di San Terenziano): IV. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 2 in C Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il Batista): I. Allegro assaiAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 2 in C Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il Batista): II. LargoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 2 in C Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Il Batista): III. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 3 in F Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La morte d'Abel figura di quella del nostro Redentore): I. LarghettoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 3 in F Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La morte d'Abel figura di quella del nostro Redentore): II. AllegrettoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 3 in F Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La morte d'Abel figura di quella del nostro Redentore): III. GraveAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 3 in F Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La morte d'Abel figura di quella del nostro Redentore): IV. Allegro assaiAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 4 (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Morte e sepoltura di Cristo): I. GraveAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 4 (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Morte e sepoltura di Cristo): II. AllegrettoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 4 (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Morte e sepoltura di Cristo): III. Allegro assaiAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 5 in B-Flat Major: I. AndanteAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 5 in B-Flat Major: II. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 5 in B-Flat Major: III. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 6 in G minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia San Elena al Calvario): I. AdagioAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 6 in G minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia San Elena al Calvario): II. AllegrettoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 6 in G minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia San Elena al Calvario): III. AdagioAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 6 in G minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia San Elena al Calvario): IV. Allegro e spiritosoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 7 in D Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gerusalemme convertita): I. LargoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 7 in D Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gerusalemme convertita): II. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 8 in B Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Sedecia): I. LarghettoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 8 in B Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Sedecia): II. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 8 in B Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Sedecia): III. LargoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 8 in B Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Sedecia): IV. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 9 in B-Flat Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gesu presentato nel Tempio): I. LargoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 9 in B-Flat Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gesu presentato nel Tempio): II. AdagioAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 9 in B-Flat Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gesu presentato nel Tempio): III. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 9 in B-Flat Major (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gesu presentato nel Tempio): II. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 10 in E Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gioseffo, che interpreta i sogni): I. Allegro - AdagioAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 10 in E Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Gioseffo, che interpreta i sogni): II. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 11 in D Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Naboth): I. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 11 in D Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Naboth): II. LargoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 11 in D Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia Naboth): III. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 12 in A Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La passione di Gesu Signor nostro): I. GraveAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 12 in A Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La passione di Gesu Signor nostro): II. AllegrettoAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 12 in A Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La passione di Gesu Signor nostro): III. AdagioAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Sinfonia No. 12 in A Minor (arrangement of oratorio sinfonia La passione di Gesu Signor nostro): IV. AllegroAntonio Caldara, Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal
Antonio Caldara, born around 1670 in Venice, was a prolific and versatile Italian Baroque composer whose musical journey took him across Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. With over 70 operas and 30 oratorios to his credit, Caldara's compositions reflect his extensive travels and collaborations with notable librettists like Pietro Metastasio. His unique approach to incorporating choral forces in his operas set him apart from his contemporaries. Caldara's musical prowess earned him favor with the Habsburg dynasty, making him a celebrated figure in the European music scene. His works, ranging from dramatic oratorios to intricate motets, continue to captivate audiences with their rich emotional depth and technical brilliance. Whether exploring his vocal masterpieces or instrumental compositions, delving into Antonio Caldara's music is an immersive experience that transports you to the opulent courts and sacred spaces of the Baroque era.