Porpora: Cantatas

Album Description

Discover the enchanting world of Nicola Porpora's cantatas through the exquisite voice of young countertenor Iestyn Davies. This album, released on Hyperion in October 2011, marks Davies' solo debut and showcases six captivating cantatas from the prolific Italian composer. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, the disc offers a rich and immersive experience of Porpora's secular cantatas, all set to texts by Metastasio.

Porpora, a composer with a career that spanned an impressive 70 years, penned around 135 secular cantatas. This collection features six of the twelve cantatas he dedicated to His Royal Highness Frederick Prince of Wales. Each cantata is a masterful blend of recitative and aria, showcasing Porpora's intricate compositions and Davies' remarkable vocal prowess.

The album begins with "Or che una nube ingrata," a cantata that explores themes of longing and torment, followed by "Oh se fosse il mio core," which delves into the complexities of love and desire. "Destatevi, o pastori" and "Oh Dio, che non è vero" continue the journey through Porpora's emotional landscapes, culminating in the poignant "Veggo la selva e il monte" and the reflective "Dal povero mio cor."

Iestyn Davies' performance is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of each cantata with precision and passion. Accompanied by the talented Thomas Dunford on the lute, Davies brings Porpora's compositions to life, offering a fresh and compelling interpretation of these Baroque masterpieces.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer eager to explore the riches of the Baroque era, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights. Nicola Porpora's cantatas, as performed by Iestyn Davies, promise an unforgettable journey through the heights and depths of human emotion, all wrapped in the timeless beauty of Baroque music.

26 september 2011

℗ 2011 Hyperion Records Limited

About Nicola Porpora

Nicola Porpora, born in Naples in 1686, was a celebrated Italian composer and renowned singing teacher whose mastery of setting the Italian language to music earned him international acclaim during his lifetime. His prolific career spanned composing nearly fifty operas, some in collaboration with his pupil, the renowned librettist Metastasio. Porpora's influence extended beyond his compositions; he was also the teacher of legendary figures such as the countertenor Farinelli and the young Joseph Haydn. His deep understanding of the voice and his ability to craft music that showcased vocal talent made him a contemporary rival of Handel. Porpora's legacy endures, captivating audiences with his timeless works and his enduring impact on the world of opera and vocal training.