The cello arrived late in Naples, at the end of the 17th century, but experienced a remarkable flourishing in the early 18th century, making the city a leading European center for the instrument.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Naples, Italy, at the Sala del Vasari, Chiesa di S. Anna dei Lombardi in September 2011.
Composer Biography
Nicola Fiorenza, a multi-instrumentalist and composer featured on this album, was a teacher at the Loreto Conservatory who was forced to leave his post due to scandals involving unorthodox punishments, including threatening pupils with his sword.
Instruments
In 18th-century Naples, the violoncello was often called 'violetta' or 'violoncella' to emphasize its origin from 'da braccio' instruments rather than the 'violone'.
Compositional Technique
Giovanni Sollima's original composition 'Fecit Neap. 17..' on this album mixes two contrasting moods: a pensive Baroque style with an ostinato bass, and a rhythmically obsessive section with irregular meters, in the manner of Stravinsky.
Composition History
Many of the works on this album, including six cello concertos by Leonardo Leo, were commissioned by Domenico Marzio IV Carafa, the Duke of Maddaloni, who had a passion for the cello.
Interpretation
Giovanni Sollima, the cellist on this recording, composed the cadenzas for the three cello concertos in a style consistent with the period.
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