Red headed, asthmatic, Italian, Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi died, fifteen years before the birth of Mozart, on the 28th of July, 1741. From then, until around 200 years later, his music was obscure and rarely performed. Today, it’s hard to believe his music languished for so long. Nearly everyone will recognize the passages from his iconic “Four Seasons,” and if you can find a CD or record store, the Vivaldi section will be a big one. My musical selection, this week, is from his Cantata, Allombra di sospetto,” or “Shadow of Suspicion.” A Cantata is a piece of music that features singing accompanied by various instruments. Usually, cantatas are religious in nature; however, this one is very secular! Featuring a Soprano (vocalist) accompanied by transverse flute and “basso continuo.” Roughly, “basso continuo” is like the rhythm section of a rock band. In this piece of music, the “basso continuo” is a harpsichord, lute and cello. Im not expert when it comes to classical music, if anyone has a better explanation of what Im trying to say, please comment! The soprano, in this piece, is not what most people think of as the “fat lady who sings last.” I don’t know the name of this particular singer (it’s not mentioned in the YouTube video) but she is quite good! Notice the light touch and delicate vocal phrasing as it weaves in and out of the flute’s... https://youtube/watch?v=0GDNMGRaCQg
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 05:07:17 +0000
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