Antonio Cesti - Cesti: Cantate (LP)

Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque world of Antonio Cesti with the album "Cesti: Cantate." This 1979 release from Harmonia Mundi offers a captivating journey through the operatic works of the Italian composer, featuring a selection of cantatas and arias that showcase Cesti's mastery of the genre. The album opens with "Pria ch'adori," a powerful aria that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Highlights include the dramatic "Amanti io vi disfido" and the tender "Donzelletta" duet from Cesti's opera "Orontea." The album also features the sinfonia from "Orontea," providing a taste of the composer's orchestral prowess. With a runtime of just under an hour, "Cesti: Cantate" is a concise yet compelling introduction to the works of this influential baroque composer.