The small ensemble La Serenissima specializes in lesser-known music of the Baroque, arranged into historically oriented programs. This one promises "Baroque instrumental music of the Italian states," and if it doesn't quite deliver on that, it hardly matters, for the music here, smartly wrapped up in Italian scooter graphics, is consistently enjoyable. Three states are represented: Venice, the kingdom of Naples, and the Papal state of Bologna. The present pieces don't really have regional styles, but this is hardly ...
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The small ensemble La Serenissima specializes in lesser-known music of the Baroque, arranged into historically oriented programs. This one promises "Baroque instrumental music of the Italian states," and if it doesn't quite deliver on that, it hardly matters, for the music here, smartly wrapped up in Italian scooter graphics, is consistently enjoyable. Three states are represented: Venice, the kingdom of Naples, and the Papal state of Bologna. The present pieces don't really have regional styles, but this is hardly surprising; the influence of such figures as Corelli, Tartini, and Vivaldi was felt across Italy and beyond. The strength of the album lies in the high quality of the music unearthed. There is a Vivaldi concerto for recorder, two violins, and continuo, but it is in the nature of a parting shot, showing the styles of the future on the way. Such composers as Evaristo dall'Abaco, Antonio Vandini, Francesco Mancini, and Giuseppe Antonio Brescianello are rarely played, and these works suggest...
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