Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Alessandro Melani's "Europa / Beatus Vir / Magnificat," a captivating collection released on November 18, 2008, under the CPO label. This album offers a journey through the composer's diverse repertoire, spanning both dramatic and sacred works, all encapsulated within a concise 75-minute duration.
The album opens with "L'Europa," a dramatic cantata that weaves a tale of love, deception, and divine intervention. Melani's mastery of the recitative and aria forms shines through, as the characters of Europa, Giove (Jupiter), and Amore (Love) navigate their complex relationships. The cantata's vivid storytelling and expressive melodies make it a standout piece, showcasing Melani's skill in crafting engaging musical narratives.
In contrast, the sacred works on the album offer a sense of tranquility and reverence. The "Beatus Vir" and "Magnificat" are both settings of biblical texts, demonstrating Melani's ability to create profound and moving music inspired by his faith. The "Beatus Vir" is a setting of Psalm 111, while the "Magnificat" is a joyful celebration of Mary's song of praise from the Gospel of Luke. Both works feature lush harmonies and soaring melodies, providing a beautiful counterpoint to the dramatic cantata.
The album also includes several instrumental pieces, such as the "Gigue" and the "Basso Continuo Sonata in D Minor," which showcase Melani's versatility as a composer. These pieces provide a welcome respite from the vocal works, allowing the listener to appreciate the composer's skill in crafting engaging and expressive instrumental music.
Throughout the album, Melani's distinctive voice shines through, offering a unique perspective on the Baroque era. His music is characterized by its expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and vivid storytelling, making it a captivating listen from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Europa / Beatus Vir / Magnificat" is sure to delight and inspire.
2008 CPO2008 CPO
Tracks
L'Europa: SinfoniaAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: O del mundo, o del cielo Anime amanti (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: Piu non vanti il Dio guerriero il furor del Brando (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: E piagato cola negli stellanti giri da questo aurato (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Arioso: Su, su dunque o sonante sovrano hor che gioie (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Florilegium secundum: Gigue pour les AngloisGeorg Muffat, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Ah, qual barbara stella, qual di spietata sorte (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: O del ciel Numi immortali deh vi prego per pieta! (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Basso Continuo Sonata in D MinorBernardo Pasquini, Das Kleine Konzert
L'Europa: Recitative: Ma qual rimiro in tanto metamorfosi strana lasci il toro (Europa, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: Quel nume bambino con forza gigante del ciel le mie (Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Quell 'appunto son io che dall' eccelse cime trassi (Amore, Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Non temerai i accent, folle, e disprezzi amore (Amore, Europa, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: Di cieco amor l 'ira inflessibile a un molle cor, no, no (Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Trio: Frena i barbari accenti ingiusto Re del aere che fra (Europa, Amore, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Ah, qual colpo di spietato ha reso in un instante il mio (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: T'amo Giove e t' adoro, e t' adoro (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Trio: Finale: Sappia dunque ogn' alma amante (Europa, Amore, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
GigueGeorg Muffat, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
RequiemAlessandro Melani, Cornelia Samuelis, Benoît Haller, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Beatus vir qui timet DominumAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Beatus vir, "Psalm 111": Gloria Patri et FilioAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Magnificat anima mea DominumAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert
Magnificat: Gloria Patri et FilioAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert
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