Immerse yourself in the rich baroque soundscape of Antonio Bertali's "Valoroso," a captivating album released on Mirare in 2004. This collection showcases the intricate compositions of the 17th-century Italian composer and violinist, Antonio Bertali, who served as the court composer to the Habsburgs in Vienna. The album is a testament to Bertali's mastery, featuring his renowned "Sonata à 6" and other exquisite sonatas, accompanied by anonymous sonatinas from the Kremsier manuscript, adding a touch of mystery and historical depth.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "Valoroso" is a journey through the elegance and complexity of baroque music. The album opens with Bertali's "Accompagnamento di viole," setting the stage for a series of sonatas that highlight the interplay between various instruments, including the viola da gamba. The anonymous sonatinas add a delicate and introspective quality, with their preludes, allemandes, courentes, sarabandes, and gigues offering a glimpse into the musical tastes of the era.
The album culminates with Bertali's "Sonata à 6 - 'Tausend Gulden'" and the energetic "Chiacona," leaving the listener with a sense of the vibrant and dynamic musical culture of the time. "Valoroso" is not just a collection of tracks but a carefully curated exploration of Bertali's contributions to the baroque repertoire, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.