Benedetto Marcello, born into an ancient noble family in Venice, received a refined education, studying violin, harpsichord, and composition under figures like Francesco Gasparini.
Historical Context
Marcello's family was influential in Venetian culture, owning the Teatro Sant'Angelo, a prominent venue for opera productions.
Recording & Production
The six cantatas on this album are a world-premiere recording, preserved in three different libraries: the Marciana in Venice, the Library of the Naples Conservatory, and the State and University Library in Hamburg.
Composer Biography
Despite his musical inclination, Benedetto Marcello was initially directed towards a political career, serving in various civic magistracies and practicing law.
Cultural Impact
Marcello's satirical critique of contemporary opera, Il teatro alla moda (Venice, 1720), offered ironic advice to various figures in the opera world, including a thinly veiled Antonio Vivaldi.
Compositional Technique
Marcello's vocal writing is atypical, requiring a highly flexible technique with brilliant passages, wide leaps, and intricate passagework, alongside more legato and sustained sections.
Critical Reception
Benedetto Marcello's musical language was so original that he was called the 'prince of music' during his lifetime and earned the esteem of later composers, including Giuseppe Verdi.
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