The songs on this album, titled 'Voices of Longing', primarily set extravagant love poetry, often directed towards a nameless or generically named lover whose cruelty is surpassed only by their beauty.
Composer Biography
Barbara Strozzi was one of the greatest composers of the seventeenth century, publishing eight volumes of music, seven of which survive.
Compositional Technique
Strozzi pushed the style of early baroque vocal music to its limits, using unprepared dissonances and clashes between voice and accompaniment that went beyond her contemporaries and even Monteverdi.
Historical Context
Barbara Strozzi grew up in a Venice known for its intellectual creativity and artistic freedom, influenced by her father Giulio Strozzi, a founder of influential 'accademie' (groups of creative intellectuals).
Interpretation
Ceruleo, the ensemble performing on this album, specializes in the music of Restoration England and 17th-century Italy, creating dramatic programs with spoken text alongside music for two sopranos and continuo.
Composer Biography
Despite lacking regular support from a royal court, church, or aristocratic patron, Barbara Strozzi's published output exceeded that of even the most famous composers of her time.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Barbara Strozzi's compositions are primarily for voice and basso continuo accompaniment, with her publications dominated by works for solo voice, occasionally interspersed with duets.
