Eva Lax, the mezzosoprano on this recording, holds a doctorate in Italian Linguistics and has edited the critical edition of Monteverdi's letters.
Compositional Technique
The serenata lacks an opening symphony and is structured with recitatives and arias, including five arias for Gloria (contralto) and four for Imeneo (mezzosoprano), plus two duets.
Composition History
This serenata was commissioned by the French ambassador in Venice to celebrate the wedding of Louis XV and Polish princess Maria Lesczynska on September 12, 1725.
Composition History
Vivaldi composed eight serenatas, but only three, including "Gloria e Imeneo" (RV 687), have survived to the present day.
Compositional Technique
The serenata features abstract characters or classical divinities, such as Hymen, the god of marriage, and Gloria, who engage in dialogue.
Performer Biography
Carlos Gubert, the conductor, began his musical training at age four, studying piano, cello, and harpsichord, and later became the artistic director of the Accademia Bach.
Interpretation
Although the original instrumentation is for strings only, this recording features two oboes in one duet and two transverse flutes in another aria.
