Lamenti & Cantatas

On cpo the acclaimed Écho du Danube ensemble is now offering a multifaceted program featuring composers from Naples and with lavish instrumental resources including the salterio and baroque percussion instruments.

In their compositions Neapolitan virtuosos were inspired by the melancholy elegance of the court ceremonial imported from Madrid and by the fiery temperament of the lute singers who performed on the streets. Along with two of Francesco Provenzale's most extraordinary contributions to the lamento genre and a chamber cantata by the same composer, contributions to the genres of the battaglia, balletto, and gagliarda by Andrea Falconieri, Gregorio Strozzi, and Antonio Valente are heard. This is spirited and fresh music!