The Card Game

Dive into the rich baroque world of Antonio Caldara with "The Card Game," a captivating album released on September 1, 2004, under Albany Records. This album offers a unique blend of vocal and instrumental works that showcase Caldara's mastery of the baroque style.

"The Card Game" opens with a dramatic cantata that tells the tale of a card game between two fictional characters, Ah. Sin and Fortunato. This engaging narrative is brought to life through a series of recitatives and arias, each one more captivating than the last. The album also features the "Sonata de camera, Op. 2, No. 2 in G Minor," a four-movement instrumental work that demonstrates Caldara's skill in composing for chamber ensembles. The sonata includes an Allemanda, Corrente, Giga, and Gavotta, each movement showcasing the composer's ability to create intricate and beautiful melodies.

In addition to these works, the album includes two cantatas, "Lungi da l'idol mio" and "Vicino a un rivoletto," which feature beautiful arias and recitatives that highlight the talents of the vocalists. The album's duration is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of Caldara's musical prowess.

Stephen Alltop conducts the performances, with notable contributions from Julianne Baird, Patrice Djerejian, Laura Heimes, and Judith. The Queen's Chamber Band accompanies the vocalists, providing a rich and vibrant backdrop to the performances. Whether you're a fan of baroque music or simply looking to explore a new genre, "The Card Game" is sure to delight and inspire.