The term "passacaglia" originated from the Spanish word "pasacalle," meaning "to go along the street," and in Italian art music, it refers to a series of variations over an ostinato bass line.
Compositional Technique
A common thread throughout the album is the melody of the canzone "La Monica," a widespread 16th and 17th-century tune also known as "Une jeune fillette" or "Von Gott will ich nicht lassen."
Performer Biography
Heidi Maria Taubert, the soprano on this album, specializes in Renaissance and Baroque music, emphasizing stylistic precision and fidelity to the sung text.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Passacaglie d'amore," reflects the concept of life as a journey, with the passacaglia's steady bass lines symbolizing walking through life's path.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Evangelisch-reformierte Gemeinde Dresden from September 23-25, 2019, with Michael Silberhorn as the recording producer and Tonmeister.
Performer Biography
Ercole Nisini, who performs and conducts on this album, is inspired by Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical music, original sources, and theater for his musical concepts.
Historical Context
Most composers featured on this album are Italian protagonists from the early Baroque period, a time of fundamental change in music with the rise of the figured bass and the solo human voice.
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