The Card Game

Album Description

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.

1 september 2004

About Antonio Caldara

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.