Italian cantatas 2 (Paperback)

The present anthology of cantatas for medium to low voice and continuo complements the editor's previous volume of cantatas for soprano, ranging from the late 17th century to mid 18th century. The works were selected for their intrinsic beauty but also for their suitability to voice students whose abilities are still limited. As in the previous collection, the setting for these works is an imaginary Arcadia, peopled by nymphs and shepherds lamenting the indifference or the absence of the beloved. This age-old theme is expressed in a remarkable variety of styles and forms, from Stradella's fluid merging of recitative, arioso and aria to Scarlatti's clear separation of recitative and da capo aria in a succession of sharply contrasting moods. Of special note are the two works by Gasparini and Porpora which include a written-out part for the harpsichord.