For their debut recording on KOCH International, Favella Lyrica
has selected a program of highly
virtuosic, complex, and passionate music from 17th century Italy and Germany,
including equal
voice duets by Claudio Monteverdi, Sigismondo D'India, Luzzasco Luzzaschi,
Martino Pesenti, and
Heinrich Schütz.
The repertoire
on the present release consists of some of the most challenging and dramatic
music of
the 17th century. The composers of the early Baroque forged a new immediacy
of expression
through their blending of the late Renaissance madrigal style with the
powerful new style created for
opera. The singers must have at their command fluid coloratura, great dynamic
and pitch range,
clear and direct expression of the text, and the widest spectrum of colors
at their disposal to convey
this music, which ranges in style from recitative to triple-meter dances
to variation over a ground
bass.
The reaction to Sweet Torment has been overwhelming, with enthusiastic reviews coming from all over the country. The CD can be obtained by contacting KOCH International Classics, our producer and distributor, at (800) 688-3482, or by contacting Favella Lyrica directly.
Pamela Murray, soprano
Pamela Dellal, mezzo-soprano
Michael Beattie, harpsichord
Claudio Monteverdi (1567 - 1643)
1. Tornate, o cari baci
2. O come sei gentile
3. Ardo
4. Perchè fuggi
5. Zefiro torna
Luzzasco Luzzaschi (1545? - 1607)
6. Cor mio, deh non languire
7. Stral pungente d'amore
8. Deh vieni ormai
Martino Pesenti (c. 1600 - 1648)
9. Ardo
Sigismondo D'India (1582 - 1629)
10. Langue al vostro languir
11. Dove potrò mai gir
12. La mia Filli crudel
Heinrich Schütz
13. Der Herr ist groß
14. Ihr Heiligen, lobsinget dem Herren
15. Herr, ich hoffe darauf
16. O lieber Herre Gott
17. Erhöre mich
18. Habe deine Lust an dem Herren
Recorded July 12th and 13th, 1993 at Emmanuel Church, Boston, MA
"...performed with uncommon intelligence, insight and involvement..."
The Boston Globe
"...altogether captivating album...
the combination of the performers' fiery enthusiasm and the composer's
passionate settings ...is irresistible."
The Denver Post
"...balances passion with poise...stylish, exhilarating...
Harpsichordist Michael Beattie's touch is sympathetic and dramatic."
The Improper Bostonian
"Favella Lyrica has produced a sure hit with this ...
exemplary performances..."
H & B Recordings Direct
"The fioritura here is clean and expressive, the intervals and
unisons
well tuned, the tones beautifully matched one to the other. Fine singing
and fine music-making."
Fanfare Magazine