This new CD presents the complete String Sinfonias by Alessandro Stradella, a First Recording!

The music by Alessandro Stradella (1639‐1682) is gaining rapidly in recognition and popularity. The composer’s extremely adventurous life (he was an aristocratic lady‐killer, who himself was murdered in the end by a revengeful rival), and his equally adventurous music, present a forceful image of a fascinating and important figure of the Italian Baroque.

Stradella’s String Sinfonias are dramatic works, frequently used by the composer as an overture for his operas and cantatas. The sudden and extreme mood shifts and the expression of deep human emotions show a composer of dramatic genius.

Francesco Cera is one of Italy’s foremost Early Music musicians. As a cembalist and conductor he has built an impressive discography, recording works for Brilliant Classics by Trabaci, d’Anglebert, Scarlatti and Bach.