{"product_id":"4589538775179","title":"Simone Vallerotonda - Simone Vallerotonda - Import CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eCredits:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimone Vallerotonda\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eValerotonda, an unconventional early music plucked-string performer, presents the soundscape of 17th-century France through a meticulously curated selection of works\n\nSimone Valerotonda of Italy has brought a breath of fresh air to the lute world with his compelling performances, grounded in thorough research into early music. He is also a core member of the early music plucked-string ensemble “I Bassifondi,” which has released albums on the Arcana label that transcend genre boundaries (their music is featured in the BS period drama “Kenju-sho: Mitsukuni and I,” set in 17th-century Japan and airing on NHK since the fall of 2021). While he has previously focused on the music of the theorbo and Baroque guitar—instruments that flourished in his native Italy during the 17th century—this album marks a shift toward French music, tracing its essence through an exceptionally orthodox sound. The program’s theme explores the relationship between the four humors (the theory that the balance of four bodily fluids determines a person’s physical and emotional state) and the four elements (the theory that the world is composed of fire, water, earth, and air)—beliefs held since antiquity before the development of modern science and medicine—and the four seasons. Centered on works by Galo and Mouton—representative composers of the reign of Louis XIV—the selection delves into the sensibilities of courtier of yesteryear, who engaged in metaphysical contemplation through music. Following the example of 17th-century French lute musicians, the program consists of four suites arranged in the same key but with a free structure. Drawing on the dance steps of the era and offering profound interpretations that evoke the world hidden behind the evocative titles, Valletondra’s striking musicality vividly highlights the charm of each piece—it is impossible not to be captivated. The program is exquisitely crafted, interspersing Rameau’s masterpieces—some of which are “world premieres in lute arrangements”—and concluding with Couperin’s “The Mystical Barrier.” I take my hat off to Valerotonda’s musical artistry, which sheds new light on these famous works.\nNaxos Japan\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arcana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53374649467169,"sku":"4589538775179","price":3141.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/8482\/2076\/files\/4589538775179.jpg?v=1787632193","url":"https:\/\/cdsvinyljapan.com\/products\/4589538775179","provider":"CDs Vinyl Japan Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}