Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with Francesco Durante's "Neapolitan Christmas II," a captivating collection of sacred vocal works that showcase the composer's mastery and the rich musical heritage of 18th-century Naples. Released in 2012, this album is a testament to Durante's influence as one of the greatest Neapolitan church composers of his time.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, including pastoral scenes, litanies, and a complete Mass setting, all meticulously arranged by Michael Alexander Willens and Luigi Oda. The centerpiece is Durante's pastoral "Cito Pastores," a charming work that alternates between choruses, recitatives, arias, and duets, painting a vivid musical tableau of the Nativity. The album also includes the "Missa in afflictionis tempore," a solemn and reflective Mass setting that highlights Durante's contrapuntal skill and harmonic inventiveness.
Performed by the Kölner Akademie under the direction of Michael Alexander Willens, the album boasts a stellar cast of vocalists, including sopranos Christina Kühne and Monica Piccinini, alto Alberto ter Doest, and a chorus of accomplished singers. Their performances are marked by clarity, expressiveness, and a deep understanding of the Baroque style, bringing Durante's music to life with authenticity and passion.
"Neapolitan Christmas II" is a delightful exploration of Francesco Durante's sacred music, offering a unique blend of pastoral charm, liturgical solemnity, and vocal virtuosity. Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an engaging and rewarding listening experience. With a duration of just over an hour, it's an excellent addition to any classical music collection, providing a rich and varied taste of one of Italy's most influential composers.
Tracks
Cito pastores (arr. L. Oda): Chorus: Cito pastoresFrancesco Durante, Luna Oda, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie, Michael Alexander Willens
Cito pastores (arr. L. Oda): Recitative: O sapientia eterna de corde Altissimi emanatalFrancesco Durante, Luna Oda, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie, Michael Alexander Willens
Cito pastores (arr. L. Oda): Aria: Quam beata nostra vita quae dignitas est videreFrancesco Durante, Luna Oda, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie, Michael Alexander Willens
Cito pastores (arr. L. Oda): Recitative: Exulta filia SionFrancesco Durante, Luna Oda, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie, Michael Alexander Willens
Cito pastores (arr. L. Oda): Duet: Adoramus teFrancesco Durante, Luna Oda, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie, Michael Alexander Willens
Laudate pueri (detto il Grottesco) in G Major (arr. L. Oda)Francesco Durante, Luna Oda, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie, Michael Alexander Willens
Litanie a due voci con Violini: Kyrie eleison (arr. M.A. Willens)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Ursula Eittinger, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Kyrie eleison (Chorus)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Christe eleison (Chorus)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Kyrie eleison (da capo) (Chorus)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Gloria (Chorus)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Gratias (Soprano)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Domine Deus (Soprano, Alto)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Qui tollis (Chorus)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Qui tollis (Soprano)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Qui sedes (Soprano, Alto Tenor)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Quoniam (Soprano)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
Missa in afflictionis tempore in F Major (arr. M.A. Willens): Cum Sancto Spiritu (Chorus)Francesco Durante, Michael Alexander Willens, Monica Piccinini, Christina Kuhne, Ursula Eittinger, Alberto ter Doest, Thilo Dahlmann, Kölner Akademie
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