Cesti's first opera, L'Orontea, premiered in Venice in 1649, brought him immediate fame, with poet Salvatore Rosa calling him 'the glory and splendour of the secular scene'.
Composer Biography
Pietro Antonio Cesti, the composer, was born in Arezzo and entered the Franciscan order at age 14, taking the name 'Frate Antonio'.
Critical Reception
Musicologist Hermann Kretzschmar noted Cesti's excellence in expressing ardor and tenderness, depicting the gentle impulses of loving hearts and thoughtful reveries.
Composition History
Many of Cesti's chamber cantatas and duets were likely composed for a group of singers he assembled in Innsbruck, described as 'a fine ensemble without affectations'.
Composer Biography
Despite being a priest, Cesti faced difficulties due to 'unseemly conduct' at the Medici court and 'amorous adventures'.
Recording & Production
This album features two distinct recording sessions: tracks 1-4 were recorded in April 1978 at Notre-Dame des Anges, Lurs, and tracks 5-7 in August 1982 at Tiroler Landestheater, Innsbruck.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Cesti was considered one of the most popular composers of vocal chamber music of his time, alongside Luigi Rossi and Giacomo Carissimi.
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