Cavalli: Arias and Duets From Didone, Egisto, Ormindo, Giasone and Calisto

Featuring

Gianluca Belfiori Doro
Gloria Banditelli
Mario Cecchetti
Roberto Abbondanza
Sergio Vartolo
Rosita Frisani

Mediterraneo Concento
Francesco Cavalli

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Historical Context

The libretto for Cavalli's opera Calisto is particularly liberal, featuring explicit scenes of lesbian love between Calisto and Jupiter (disguised as Diana).

Performer Biography

Sergio Vartolo, the conductor and harpsichordist for this album, has directed instrumental ensembles for thirty years and has received numerous awards for his recordings.

Historical Context

Early Venetian opera, including Cavalli's works, drew inspiration from Roman tales and Greek mythology, often with considerable moral and historical license to appeal to audiences.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Francesco Cavalli, though influenced by Monteverdi, developed his own individual style, notably emphasizing "singability" (cantabilità) in his music.

Compositional Technique

Cavalli's operas frequently include humorous characters like stammering servants and lustful servant girls, often used for self-mockery.

Compositional Technique

Cavalli's operas often feature intricate, convoluted love stories and intense emotions expressed through masterly passacaglias, with the Lament serving as a condensed version of this artistic sensibility.