Antonio Vandini was one of the celebrated cellists of his age. And that age was the early 1700s when he shared the spotlight with his close friend Giuseppe Tartini. Vandini, like other virtuosos of his time, composed music for his instrument. But he didn’t write much that survived — just six sonatas and a concerto. […]
early music
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Cantica Symphonia masterfully perform Josquin Desprez
This is the fourth volume of music by Josquin Desprez that Cantica Symphonia has released on Glossa. Giuseppe Maletto and the ensemble released two volumes of Josquin’s motets, plus one of chansons. Their next release was a collection of Marian motets (compositions in praise of the Virgin Mary) by various Renaissance composers. This recording seems […]
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Harry Christophers and The Sixteen new Purcell release most welcome
Bottom line. If you enjoyed Volumes One and Two, you’ll find Volume Three of equal quality. Also, if you’ve enjoyed any of the Sixteen’s previous Purcell releases on Coro, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your library. If the previous paragraph doesn’t apply to you, read on. Harry Christophers and The Sixteen have […]
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Anonima Frottolisti demonstrate Humanism in music
I first fell in love with early music through recordings of David Munro. In many ways, the Anonima Frottolisti reminds me of those recordings. The ensemble performs with enthusiasm and energy. The album is a survey of music heard in 15th Century Italy. The Humanist movement grew out of a rediscovery of ancient Greek writings […]
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Un’Arpa Straordinaria – Fine selection of Baroque harp music
Up through the Renaissance, harps were relatively simple instruments, able to play diatonic scales. In response to more complex music of the early Baroque, an arpa doppia, or double harp was developed. These harps had a second course of strings (tuned differently than the first). This gave the player more notes, with the two courses […]
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Francis Cutting Lute Music – Tudor Treasures
Little is known about the life of English lutenist Francis Cutting. He was a musician for the Howard family (Anne Boleyn’s peeps), and one his ten children, Thomas, also became a respected lutenist. What is known is Cutting’s music. He wrote “Packington’s Pound,” which has been recorded countless times by early music ensembles. He’s also […]
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Josetxu Obregón’s portrait of Antonio Caldara, cellist
Antonio Caldara was a cellist, but he didn’t write exclusively for the cello. In the early 1700s composers wrote what they were paid to. Caldara’s best remembered for his operas, oratorios, and cantatas. And those are the works that usually get recorded. Josetxu Obregón has put together a program that showcases Caldara’s affinity for his […]
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Alessandro Scarlatti Cantatas and Recorder Sonatas Nice Blend
This release presents a well-thought-out program of music by Alessandro Scarlatti. There are five works: three solo cantatas with two instrumental sonatas. The mix is quite effective — especially as the cantatas have fairly extensive instrumental passages. Soprano Roberta Invernizzi sings with a clean, clear sound. Even her upper register has a warmth I found […]
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Andrea Coen performs Telemann’s Klein Kammermusik — solo
The Kleine Kammermusik of Georg Philipp Telemann was never set in stone. Well, perhaps etched in metal for publishing, but you know what I mean. As Telemann conceived them, these six partitas were simple for a melodic instrument with basso continuo. In 1716, such collections were common for amateur and professional musicians. Telemann’s melodies could be performed […]