Voices of Longing

Barbara Strozzi made her name as both a performer and composer in the semi-private spaces of the ‘accademici’ of 17th-century Venice, meetings of the intelligentsia to discuss and perform music, poetry and art. Described as the ‘virtuosissima cantatrice’ (most virtuous/virtuosic singer) she was to become the most published composer of secular song of her time.

Her distinctive style is characterised by virtuosic vocal lines, sophisticated interplay between voice(s) and basso continuo accompaniment. With this new programme Ceruleo bring to life the music of this extraordinary composer with two singers and three instrumentalists, combining a selection of her finest works with instrumental pieces by her contemporaries.

Programme:
Barbara Strozzi Sonetto proemio dell’opera – Mercé di voi, Op 1
Girolamo Frescobaldi La Riamata da chi amava, Op 2 Canzona quinta detta la Tromboncina
Barbara Strozzi Begl’occhi, bel seno, bei crini, e bella bocca, Op 2
Tarquinio Merula Desideri vani, Op 3 Toccata del secondo tono, Composizioni per organo e cembalo
Barbara Strozzi Che si può fare, Op 8
Alessandro Piccinini Partite variate sopra l’aria Francese detta l’Alemana
Barbara Strozzi Sospira, respira, Op 6
Tarquinio Merula L’Amante segreto, Op 2 La Bianca, Canzoni overo Sonate concertate
Barbara Strozzi chiesa e camera Op 12 I baci, Op 2
Biagio Marini La sol fa, mi, re, do, Op 2 La Caotorta, Gagliarda a 2
Barbara Strozzi Amante ravveduto, Op 6 – Begli occhi, Op 3

Performers:
Jenni Harper, Emily Owen sopranos
Kinga Gáborjáni viola da gamba
Satoko Doi-Luck harpsichord