Antonio Caldara: Nigella e Tirsi / Antonio Bononcini: Tigrane, re d'Armenia / Tommaso Bernardo Gaffi: Ditemi che Cos'e

Dive into the rich tapestry of Baroque chamber music with this exquisite collection featuring works by Antonio Caldara, Antonio Bononcini, and Tommaso Bernardo Gaffi, masterfully conducted by Wolfgang Katschner. Released in 2006 under the Berlin Classics label, this album offers a captivating journey through the intricate and expressive compositions of the Baroque era.

The album opens with Antonio Caldara's "Nigella e Tirsi," a pastoral cantata that showcases the composer's talent for weaving together recitatives and arias to create a narrative that is both engaging and musically rich. The piece is a delightful exploration of pastoral themes, with lush harmonies and melodic lines that highlight the beauty of the human voice.

Following Caldara's work is Antonio Bononcini's "Tigrane, re d'Armenia," a dramatic cantata that contrasts sharply with the pastoral themes of the previous work. Bononcini's composition is marked by its dramatic intensity and expressive depth, providing a stark contrast to the more serene and pastoral themes of "Nigella e Tirsi."

The album concludes with Tommaso Bernardo Gaffi's "Ditemi che cos'è," a cantata that explores themes of love and longing. Gaffi's composition is notable for its lyrical beauty and expressive depth, providing a fitting conclusion to this collection of Baroque masterpieces.

Throughout the album, Wolfgang Katschner's conducting is impeccable, bringing out the best in each composition and ensuring that the performances are both technically proficient and musically expressive. The album's duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes provides ample time to appreciate the nuances of each piece, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy exploring the rich and varied world of Baroque chamber music.