This album was recorded in October 2017 at Église Manin in Paris.
Interpretation
The conductor, Thibault Noally, aimed to create a portrait of the oratorio at the turn of the 18th century, showcasing stylistic schools from Naples, Rome, Venice, and Vienna.
Critical Reception
Many of the pieces on this album are world premiere recordings, indicating their rarity and rediscovery.
Composition History
Oratorios and operas, born in the early 17th century, shared the same form and evolution for a long time, both originating from monodic vocal music.
Performer Biography
Les Accents, the ensemble on this recording, was founded in 2014 and focuses on rediscovering rare Italian Baroque works, especially oratorios.
Historical Context
The term "oratorio" comes from the place where it was performed, the oratory, and is also linked to the Oratorians of Saint Philip Neri, who used sacred texts in the Counter-Reformation.
Compositional Technique
The Oratorians adopted innovations like parlar cantando (speaking-singing, later recitative) and continuo (basso continuo), which provided harmonic support for recitative passages.
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Stradella: Santa Editta, Vergine e Monaca, Regina d'Inghilterra (Oratorio, Roma c. 1672-73)
