Alessandro Stradella was the undisputed star composer of his day who wrote hundreds of works in varying genres. His cantatas are in essence miniature operas in which the themes of love and the complexities of the human condition reflected the composer’s own ‘cloak and dagger’ misadventures amidst Roman and Venetian aristocracy. From an allegory of life in Apre l’uomo infelice and captivating pastoral scenes in Qui dove fa soggiorno, to unrequited love and the desire for freedom expressed in Per tua vaga beltade, Stradella adapted his inventiveness to his patrons’ tastes to create these veritable jewels in music, all of which are rich in splendid melodies and refined artistry.

The Alessandro Stradella Consort is a vocal and instrumental ensemble founded in July 1987 by Estévan Velardi and formerly called the Camerata Ligure. It focuses on the performance of Italian Baroque repertoire on period instruments. It explores music from the Renaissance to the present day, ranging from works for vocal or instrumental duo to grandiose operas and oratorios with vocal soloists, chorus and large orchestra. It is especially dedicated to reviving rare or unpublished works by Italian composers of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Its recordings, comprising a vast repertoire of instrumental and vocal/instrumental works, oratorios and operas, appear on several labels beside Dynamic. Commenting on a previous release of Stradella’s La Circe (CDS7910), Classical Music Daily stated: ‘Estevan Velardi executes this rare programme with exceptional insight and skill, never falling into that sentimentality that can ruin the emotional content of such works. Singers and instrumentalists are on top form. Surprise yourself with a true gem full of pleasant delights’.