Johann Mattheson, a friend of George Frideric Handel, emphasized the importance of 'cantability' or 'singing quality' in all music, even for instrumentalists.
Interpretation
The ensemble L'Ornamento chose to adapt Handel's Rinaldo Overture for their recording because it combines contrasting elements like concertante and cantabile playing, and homophony and polyphony.
Performer Biography
Ensemble L'Ornamento, founded in 2001, won first prize and the audience prize at the 2003 Musica Antiqua Competition in Bruges.
Historical Context
In the Baroque era, instrumental arrangements of popular operatic arias allowed music lovers to enjoy their favorite melodies at home, a welcome diversion before radio and television.
Compositional Technique
George Frideric Handel often reused musical material; for example, the melody for 'Lascia ch'io pianga' from Rinaldo also appeared as an instrumental Sarabande and another aria with different text.
Interpretation
This album aims to challenge expectations by presenting 'Concertos and Arias' without any singing or a large orchestra, focusing on chamber-musical interpretations.
Interpretation
The ensemble's name, L'Ornamento (the embellishment), reflects their understanding of ornamentation as central to personal expression in Baroque music and their goal to create distinctive interpretations.
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