Sophie Junker, the soprano on this album, was pregnant with her second child during the recording sessions.
Historical Context
The Treaty of Passarowitz in 1718 ended Venice's naval power and European ambitions, leading it to become a city focused on opera theatres and pleasures.
Interpretation
Martyna Pastuszka, the conductor and violinist, believes Italian Baroque music is ideal for performers to develop into charismatic artists due to its balance of simplicity, beauty, and repetitive structures.
Composer Biography
Francesco Gasparini, another composer on this album, was considered the leader of the Venetian school and employed Vivaldi at the Ospedale della Pietà.
Composer Biography
Tommaso Albinoni, a composer featured on this album, was a self-taught musician and the wealthy heir to a playing-card business empire.
Instruments
Martyna Pastuszka, the conductor and violinist, performs on a Valentino Siani violin from 1637.
Cultural Impact
The Venetian musical style was the first true operatic language, significantly influencing works by French composers like Destouches, Campra, and Charpentier.
