Stradella: Oratorium San Giovanni

The music by Alessandro Stradella (1639-1682) is gaining rapidly in recognition and popularity. The composer’s extremely adventurous life (he was an aristocratic lady-killer, who himself was murdered in the end by a revengeful rival) and his equally adventurous music presents a forceful image of a fascinating and important figure of the Italian Baroque. ? Stradella is one of the most important composers of dramatic sacred works in 17-th century Italy. San Giovanni Crisostomo is a large scale oratorio, in lyrical vocal style: long and florid cantabile phrases, uninterrupted by frequent cadences and a subtle characterisation of the psychology of the dramatis personae. ? Excellent performances by Harmonices Mundi conducted by Claudio Astronio, who already recorded three Stradella CD’s for Brilliant classics: the oratorio La Susanna (BC94345), Duets (with Emma Kirkby and Susanne Rydén, BC94343) and Italian Arias (BC94258). ? The booklet contains extensive liner notes written by a scholar, and the full libretto in the original language.