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Experience the vibrant musical world of 17th– and 18th-century Naples with L’Invenzione in a program that captures the drama and brilliance of the Neapolitan Baroque. Considered the musical capital of Europe at that time, Naples was a thriving hub of creativity where composers flourished under the ever-present gaze of Mount Vesuvius. This concert features recorder concertos and trio sonatas for strings by Alessandro Scarlatti and his contemporaries, offering an evocative journey into a world of dramatic musical contrasts that mirror the geographical and geopolitical backdrop of Naples itself.
Musicians: Eloy Cortinez, recorder; Mary Riccardi, Baroque violin; Phoebe Gelzer-Govatos, Baroque violin; Debra Lonergan, Baroque cello; and Julia Brown, harpsichord. Click here to learn more about L’Invenzione.
The entire Early Music Series is underwritten by the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series Endowment established by Taylor Johnston.
Ensemble Video
About the Program
“Naples is the capital of the musical world,” wrote Charles de Brosses in one of his letters from Italy written in 1739/40. “Naples is the sole Italian city that seems truly a capital…” and this was no exaggeration: it was the largest city in 17th-century Europe, exceeded only by Paris in the 18th century. With its four renowned conservatories, a bustling opera scene and world class composers, Naples produced an incredible musical tradition whose influence would shape music in all of Europe during the 18th century and beyond.
The first half of the 18th century in Naples was full of tumult, with power in the city passing, often violently, from the Spaniards to the Austrians and eventually to the Bourbon Monarchy. The city was a cultural crossroads with no shortage of political and social upheaval. No wonder opera was such a central part of musical life! All of this took place at the foot of Vesuvius, the volcano that had buried Pompeii and loomed over the landscape. This program, consisting of trio sonatas and recorder concerti, is an exploration of Neapolitan music through its vivacious instrumental repertoire, rich with theatrical contrasts and drama.
Featuring works by: Alessandro Scarlatti, Nicola Fiorenza, Francesco Barbella, Domenico Gallo, Francesco Mancini.
