This recording features music of Barbara Strozzi, the brilliant singer
and composer of mid-17th century Venice. Included are three never-before
recorded duets of Strozzi, and the first recordings of Fontei's duets
and solos written for Strozzi to perform.
|
"The two singers are firmly locked into the dramatic essence of this
music,
sculpting and shading each word with infinite care...the two voices float...
with a heaven bound lightness that is unforgettable."
Fanfare Magazine
|
Featuring passionate, virtuosic duets by Monteverdi, D'India, Luzzaschi, and
Pesenti, complemented by spiritual but equally vivid duets by Heinrich
Schütz. |
"...altogether captivating album...
the combination of the performers' fiery enthusiasm and the composer's
passionate settings...is irresistible."
The Denver Post
|
and...
Handel's little-known but magnificent chamber duets, written
over his entire career, were a fruitful source of musical ideas that he
mined for his more public works. Demanding the highest level of skill
and imagination from performers, this music is a delightful discovery
on its own and also for the surprising familiarity of themes later used
in such staples as Messiah, Alexander's Feast, Solomon, and others.
|
"Among the recordings of [these pieces]...this is the best...the
simple competence and unaffected joyousness of the performances are most
refreshing."
Fanfare Magazine
|
