Thomas Dunford, the renowned French lute player and composer, presents "Amazone," a captivating album released on September 17, 2021, under Warner Classics. This enchanting collection of works delves into the rich musical heritage of the Baroque era, with a particular focus on themes of strength, power, and the mythical Amazons. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, the album is a testament to Dunford's virtuosity and his deep understanding of the period's musical nuances.
"Amazone" features a diverse array of compositions, including arias, sinfonias, and instrumental pieces, all meticulously curated and performed by Dunford. The album opens with a series of arias from various operas, showcasing the vocal prowess of the featured singers and the intricate beauty of the Baroque vocal style. These arias are interspersed with instrumental pieces, including sinfonias by Cavalli and Vivaldi, and suites by Couperin and Marais, which highlight Dunford's exceptional skill on the lute and his ability to bring these historic works to life.
One of the standout pieces on the album is "Amazones" by Thomas Dunford himself, a composition that encapsulates the spirit of the Amazons and the album's central theme. The album also includes a postlude improvisation by Rondeau, adding a touch of spontaneity and creativity to the collection.
Throughout "Amazone," Dunford's performances are marked by their technical precision, expressive depth, and a deep respect for the historical context of the music. The album is a celebration of the Baroque era's rich musical tapestry, offering a glimpse into the world of the Amazons and the powerful women who inspired these timeless compositions. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer looking to explore this fascinating period, "Amazone" is a compelling and rewarding listening experience.
Provenzale: Lo schiavo di sua moglie: "Non posso far" (Lucillo)Francesco Provenzale, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Cavalli: Ercole amante, Act 1: SinfoniaFrancesco Cavalli, Thomas Dunford, Jupiter
Provenzale: Lo schiavo di sua moglie: "Lasciatemi morir, stelle crudeli" (Menalippa)Francesco Provenzale, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Viviani: Mitilene, regina delle amazzoni: "Muove il piè, furia d'Averno" (Mitilene)Giovanni Buonaventura Viviani, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
De Bottis: Mitilene, regina delle amazzoni: "Io piango" - "Io peno" (Mitilene, Armidoro)Giuseppe De Bottis, Lea Desandre, Cecilia Bartoli, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Schürmann: Die getreue Alceste: Sinfonia pour la tempête (1719 Hamburg Version)Georg Caspar Schürmann, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Pallavicino: L'Antiope: "Vieni, corri, volami in braccio" (Antiope)Carlo Pallavicino, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Philidor: Les Amazones: "Venez, troupe guerrière" - "Puisque tout est tranquille" - "Combattons, courrons à la gloire" (Thalestris, Hippolyte)Andre Danican Philidor, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Véronique Gens, Thomas Dunford
Couperin, L: Passacaille in C MajorLouis Couperin, Thomas Dunford, William Christie
Destouches: Marthésie, première reine des amazones: "Faible fierté, gloire impuissante" (Thalestris)André Cardinal Destouches, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Marais: Pièces de viole, Livre IV, Suitte d'un goût étranger: No. 68, L'AmériquaineMarin Marais, Thomas Dunford, Jupiter
Destouches: Marthésie, première reine des amazones: "Ô mort ! Ô triste mort" (Thalestris)André Cardinal Destouches, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Rondeau: Postlude improviséJean Rondeau
Couperin, F: Second Livre de pièces de clavecin, Dixième Ordre: VI. L'AmazôneFrançois Couperin, Jean Rondeau
Destouches: Marthésie, première reine des amazones: "Quel coup me réservait la colère céleste ?" (Marthésie)André Cardinal Destouches, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Vivaldi: Ercole sul Termodonte, RV 710, Sinfonia: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Thomas Dunford, Jupiter
De Bottis: Mitilene, regina delle amazzoni: "Che farai misero core" (Mitilene)Giuseppe De Bottis, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Schürmann: Die getreue Alceste: "Non ha fortuna il pianto mio" (Hyppolite)Georg Caspar Schürmann, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Vivaldi: Ercole sul Termodonte, RV 710, Sinfonia: II. [Andante]Antonio Vivaldi, Thomas Dunford, Jupiter
De Bottis: Mitilene, regina delle amazzoni: "Lieti fiori, erbe odorose" (Mitilene)Giuseppe De Bottis, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
De Bottis: Mitilene, regina delle amazzoni: "Sdegno all'armi, alle vendette" (Mitilene)Giuseppe De Bottis, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Vivaldi: Ercole sul Termodonte, RV 710, Sinfonia: III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Thomas Dunford, Jupiter
Vivaldi: Ercole sul Termodonte, RV 710: "Onde chiare che sussurrate" (Ippolita)Antonio Vivaldi, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Vivaldi: Ercole sul Termodonte, RV 710: "Scenderò, volerò, griderò" (Antiope)Antonio Vivaldi, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford