Raphael Pichon - Stravaganza D'amore! - Import 2 CD

Credits:

Raphael Pichon

Description:

Presented by Raphaël Pichon and Pygmalion: A Grand Project! "Interlude": The Ultimate in Unparalleled Splendor A Celebration of Voice, Chorus, and Instrumental Music Introducing a magnificent project by Rafael Pichon, a rising star among early music conductors, and his ensemble, “Pygmalion.” They bring to life the magnificent interludes of the 16th century—which laid the groundwork for the birth of opera! Interludes were forms of entertainment modeled after ancient theater, inserted between acts of a play (comedy) to create spectacular visual effects. It is said that they began to be produced extensively from the latter half of the 15th century. Allegorical narratives praising the monarch were performed to musical accompaniment. The style most commonly employed featured large-scale choral pieces and solos accompanied by instrumental music (instrumental accompaniment and melody). These interludes, featuring lavish stage sets, were greatly encouraged by monarchs who recognized their political and artistic potential, leading to their flourishing. The Medici family of Florence placed particular importance on these interludes. They assembled the finest composers of the time to create music for the various comic interludes performed at the family’s lavish weddings. It is said that, on some occasions, these performances took place before an audience of 3,000 noblemen and 800 noblewomen, showcasing a level of opulence that defies imagination. This was not only a display of the family’s power but also a necessity, as 16th-century Florence was a city that attracted the attention of major European powers, making it essential to demonstrate its capabilities to other nations. Numerous works were created that were meticulously crafted not only in terms of musical style but also with regard to acoustic effects in the theater. In this project, Pichon focuses on the period from 1589—when the interlude for *La Pellegrina* premiered— 1611, when Galliano’s *Dafne* was staged in Florence—a period during which interludes were particularly popular—and has composed four new interludes. These lavish, richly crafted works—including pieces requiring as many as seven choral groups—seem to convey the spirit of the musicians from the dawn of opera as well as the enthusiasm of the audience. Also worth noting is the beautiful sound, imbued with the rich reverberation of the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles, where the recording took place. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Stravaganza d'amore! - Toccata (La Renuccini)
2.O fortunato giorno, a 30 (La Pellegrina)
3.Ineffabile ardore, a 6 (Il Rapimento di Cefalo)
4.O che felice giorno, a voce sola
5.Ineffabile ardore, a 6 (Il Rapimento di Cefalo)
6.La dipartita e amara, a 4
7.Ineffabile ardore, a 6 (Il Rapimento di Cefalo)
8.Non avea Febo ancora, a voce sola
9.O giovenil ardire, a 8 (I Fabii)
10.Donne, il celeste lume, a 9 (Stravaganza d'Amore - Acte IV)
11.Dal vago e bel sereno, a 6 (La Pellegrina)
12.O qual risplende, a 6 (La Pellegrina)
13.La Dafne: Scene 1: Ohime che veggio, a 5
14.Qui di carne si sfama, a 12 (La Pellegrina)
15.Apollo affronta il serpente, a 6
16.La Dafne: Scene 1: Poi giacque estinto al fine
17.O mille volte, a 8 (La Pellegrina)
18.La Dafne: Scene: Piangete, o ninfe
19.Sinfonia, a 6 (La Pellegrina)
20.La Dafne: Scene 6: Un guardo, un guard'appena
1.Gagliarda, a 6 (Primo ballo della Notte d'Amore)
2.L'Euridice: Scene 1: Al canto, al ballo, a 5
3.L'Euridice: Scene 2: Lassa, che di spavento
4.L'Euridice: Scene 2: Non piango e non sospiro
5.L'Euridice: Scene 2: Cruda morte / Sospirate, aure celesti
6.Work(s): Sinfonia, a 6 / Spirto del Ciel (Primo ballo della Notte d'Amore)
7.L'Euridice: Scene 4: Funeste piagge
8.Udite, lagrimosi spirti d'Averno
9.L'Euridice: Scene 4: Trionfi oggi pieta / O fortunati miei
10.L'Euridice: Scene 5: Gioite al canto mio
11.L'Euridice: Scene 5: Ma che piu, a 5
12.Ballo del Granduca, a 7
13.Dolcissime sirene, a 6 (La Pellegrina)
14.A voi, reali amanti, a 15 (La Pellegrina)
15.Coppia gentil, a 6 (La Pellegrina)
16.O che nuovo miracolo, a 5/a 3 (La Pellegrina)