Description
Baroque Gems: Agostino Steffani's Duetti Da Camera – Intimate Vocal Duets (ARCHIV PRODUKTION) CD
UPC: 0028947908234
MPN: 479 0823 AM
Brand Name: ARCHIV PRODUKTION (Deutsche Grammophon)
Overview: Steffani’s Mastery of Chamber Duet
This highly valued ARCHIV PRODUKTION release is a superb presentation of Agostino Steffani’s Duetti da Camera (Chamber Duets). Steffani (1654–1728)—a composer, diplomat, and church official—was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including Handel, for his mastery of melodic invention and intricate counterpoint in these short, highly dramatic vocal works.
Directed from the harpsichord by the pioneering Baroque specialist Alan Curtis, this recording captures the passion and intimacy of the genre. It features a stellar cast of early music vocalists: Daniela Mazzucato (soprano), Carolyn Watkinson (mezzo-soprano), Paul Esswood (countertenor), and John Elwes (tenor), supported by Wouter Möller on violoncello. This CD is an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of the Italian Baroque and historical performance practice.
Product Features
- Composer: Agostino Steffani (1654-1728)
- Work: Duetti da Camera (Chamber Duets)
- Director/Harpsichord: Alan Curtis
- Vocalists: Daniela Mazzucato, Carolyn Watkinson, Paul Esswood, John Elwes
- Instrumentalist: Wouter Möller, Violoncello
- Format: Audio CD (AM – Archiv Masters series)
- Genre: Classical Music / Early Baroque Vocal / Chamber Music
- Total Time: 54:50
- Recording Date: Live recording from the Berliner Festwochen (Berlin Festival Weeks), 1981
- Catalogue Number: 479 0823
Interesting Facts
Agostino Steffani's Duetti da Camera were private compositions, circulated in manuscript and highly prized across Europe. They are miniature operatic scenes focusing primarily on the themes of love, yearning, and freedom. The duets demand extreme vocal dexterity and emotional range, showcasing the interplay between two voices in sophisticated, often virtuosic, harmony over a simple continuo.
The ensemble on this recording is a who’s-who of Baroque performance practice from the era, with Alan Curtis ensuring stylistic authenticity from the harpsichord. The soloists often alternate between soprano/tenor pairings (Mazzucato/Elwes) and mezzo-soprano/countertenor pairings (Watkinson/Esswood), highlighting the different timbral colors inherent in Steffani's scores.
Track Listing
AGOSTINO STEFFANI (1654-1728) - DUETTI DA CAMERA
- Tu m'aspettasti al mare (Daniela Mazzucato - John Elwes) (7:47)
- M'hai da piangere un di (Carolyn Watkinson - Paul Esswood) (5:48)
- Io voglio provar (Daniela Mazzucato - John Elwes) (6:05)
- Placidissime catene (Carolyn Watkinson - Paul Esswood) (7:17)
- Già tu parti (Carolyn Watkinson - Paul Esswood) (4:35)
- E perché non m'uccidete (Daniela Mazzucato - John Elwes) (9:15)
- No, no, no, non voglio se devo amare (Paul Esswood - John Elwes) (4:49)
- Libertà! Libertà! (Daniela Mazzucato - Carolyn Watkinson) (9:14)
Publishers
- Label: ARCHIV PRODUKTION / Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin
- Copyright: $\text{P}$ 1982 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin, A UNIVERSAL MUSIC COMPANY
- Country of Manufacture: Made in the E.U.
- Distribution (Hungary): Forgalmazza: Universal Music Kft. 1146 Bp., Hermina út 17. Tel: 801-8300
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