Immerse yourself in the rich baroque soundscape of Alessandro Melani's "Europa / Beatus Vir / Magnificat," a captivating album released on November 18, 2008, under the CPO label. This exquisite collection showcases Melani's mastery of the late 17th-century Italian musical style, offering a blend of dramatic cantatas and sacred choral works that will enchant and inspire.
The album opens with "L'Europa," a dramatic cantata that tells the mythological story of Europa and Jupiter. Alessandro Melani's compositional prowess shines through in this multi-movement work, featuring recitatives, arias, and duets that bring the tale to life with vivid emotion and intricate musical detail. The performances are brought to life by a stellar cast of vocalists, each bringing their unique interpretation to the roles of Europa, Amore, and Giove.
Following the cantata, the album transitions into a series of sacred choral works, including the "Beatus Vir" and "Magnificat." These pieces showcase Melani's ability to craft deeply moving and spiritually uplifting music. The choral performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with the ensemble delivering a powerful and resonant sound that fills the listener with a sense of awe and reverence.
Throughout the album, Melani's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive melodies. The performances are equally impressive, with each musician bringing their unique artistry to the table. The result is an album that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, offering a true testament to the power of baroque music.
With a duration of 75 minutes, this album is a perfect choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of the baroque period and the works of Alessandro Melani. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Europa / Beatus Vir / Magnificat" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2008 CPO2008 CPO
Tracks
L'Europa: SinfoniaAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: O del mundo, o del cielo Anime amanti (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: Piu non vanti il Dio guerriero il furor del Brando (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: E piagato cola negli stellanti giri da questo aurato (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Arioso: Su, su dunque o sonante sovrano hor che gioie (Amore)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Florilegium secundum: Gigue pour les AngloisGeorg Muffat, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Ah, qual barbara stella, qual di spietata sorte (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: O del ciel Numi immortali deh vi prego per pieta! (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Basso Continuo Sonata in D MinorBernardo Pasquini, Das Kleine Konzert
L'Europa: Recitative: Ma qual rimiro in tanto metamorfosi strana lasci il toro (Europa, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: Quel nume bambino con forza gigante del ciel le mie (Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Quell 'appunto son io che dall' eccelse cime trassi (Amore, Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Non temerai i accent, folle, e disprezzi amore (Amore, Europa, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: Di cieco amor l 'ira inflessibile a un molle cor, no, no (Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Trio: Frena i barbari accenti ingiusto Re del aere che fra (Europa, Amore, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Recitative: Ah, qual colpo di spietato ha reso in un instante il mio (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Aria: T'amo Giove e t' adoro, e t' adoro (Europa)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
L'Europa: Trio: Finale: Sappia dunque ogn' alma amante (Europa, Amore, Giove)Alessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Kai Wessel, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
GigueGeorg Muffat, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
RequiemAlessandro Melani, Cornelia Samuelis, Benoît Haller, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Beatus vir qui timet DominumAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Beatus vir, "Psalm 111": Gloria Patri et FilioAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert, Hermann Max
Magnificat anima mea DominumAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert
Magnificat: Gloria Patri et FilioAlessandro Melani, Veronika Winter, Cornelia Samuelis, Kai Wessel, Benoît Haller, Ekkehard Abele, Das Kleine Konzert
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