Nicola Porpora (1686‐1768) was an important composer, musician and teacher of Baroque Europe. He held several important posts, notably in Dresden, London (where he was Handel’s rival) and Venice. He was the teacher of the famous castrato Farinelli and Joseph Haydn.

In Venice Porpora was teacher and chorus master at the Ospedale delle Pietà, a charitable institution for orphans and abandoned girls, where music was an important part of the children’s education. On this disc are presented a selection of sacred works written for the female choirs of the Ospedale: highly attractive works, full of drama, expressive effects and virtuoso roles for both vocalists and instrumentalists.

These are excellent performances by the Coro Femminile Harmonia and the Ensemble Barocca e Musicali Affetti, conducted by Michele Perugi.

A fascinating document of musical life in Baroque Venice, containing several first recordings!