Emiliano Gonzalez Toro presents a captivating journey through the Baroque era with his album "Soleil noir - Francesco Rasi," released on April 10, 2020, under the naïve classique label. This 51-minute opera album is a collection of 17 tracks, each a masterpiece that showcases the vocal prowess and emotional depth of the renowned Italian singer Francesco Rasi, who was a contemporary of Monteverdi.
The album begins with "Indarno Febo - Il pianto d'Orfeo," a lament that sets the tone for the rest of the album. It continues with a mix of arias and madrigals, including "Filli mia, filli dolce," "La Mantovana: Fuggi, fuggi da questo cielo," and "La Dafne: Lamento d’Apollo," each demonstrating Rasi's exceptional ability to convey a range of emotions through his voice.
Emiliano Gonzalez Toro's interpretation of these pieces is both sensitive and nuanced, bringing out the subtleties in Rasi's performances. The album also features instrumental pieces, such as "Passamezzo - Improvisation" and "Gagliarda del Principe di Venosa," which provide a refreshing contrast to the vocal tracks.
The album concludes with "E vivere e morire," a poignant piece that leaves a lasting impression. "Soleil noir - Francesco Rasi" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to the enduring power of Baroque music and the extraordinary talent of Francesco Rasi, as interpreted by Emiliano Gonzalez Toro.