Neapolitan solo serenatas, intimate pieces for a single voice with two violins, often featured nocturnal themes of a suffering lover lamenting outside a sleeping woman's house.
Recording & Production
This recording aims to recreate the atmosphere of a Neapolitan open-air concert, such as those held during the Spassi di Posillipo.
Historical Context
The 1670s were a crucial period for the development of a distinct Neapolitan musical language, influenced by existing instrumental traditions, new Roman cantata forms, and Venetian operas.
Composer Biography
Antonio Farina, a prolific composer of serenatas, was a tenor who left Venice for Naples in 1674 and is mentioned alongside famous composers like Lully and Biber in the first German music history.
Historical Context
These serenatas were likely performed at the 'Spassi di Posillipo,' great maritime festivals held annually during summer evenings along the Naples coast, featuring music on boats disguised as sea monsters.
Composer Biography
Pietro Marchitelli, a renowned violinist in Naples, was concertmaster under Alessandro Scarlatti and famously embarrassed Arcangelo Corelli with his virtuosity at the Neapolitan court in 1702.
Cultural Impact
Farina's music was very popular, with his melodies being quoted by other composers and his cantatas, like 'Di Pausilippo,' even adapted into sacred 'contrafacta' for church performances.
You might also enjoy...
40 Years DHM - Mythomania (16th Century)
Jackson: Songs, Canzonets, and a Sonata
Myslivecek, J.: Symphonies / Violin Concertos
Terpsichore: Renaissance and Early Baroque Dance Music
English Country Dances - 17th Century Music from the Publications of John Playford
Ostinato
Hoffnung des Wiedersehens - Telemann Arias
A QSF Journey
Jacquet De La Guerre, E.: Judith / Violin Sonata in D Minor / Le Sommeil D'Ulisse / Campra, A.: Le Lys Et La Rose (Cecilia's Circle)
Ensemble Flatterie: Live (14 Golden Hits, 1228-1767)
Lehár: Frühling
Pieces of Africa
Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval & Renaissance Music Collection
