Composer: Giovanni Legrenzi
Performer: Nova Ars Cantandi, Ivana Valotti
Conductor: Giovanni Acciai
Number of Discs: 2
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Naxos
Catalogue: 8579123-24
Release: 2021
Size: 368 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Harmonia d’affetti devoti, Libro 1, Op. 3
CD 01
01. No. 1, Hodie
02. No. 2, Quam amarum est Maria
03. No. 3, Occurite celestes
04. No. 4, Cadite montes
05. No. 5, Venite fideles
06. No. 6, Humili voce
07. No. 7, O sanctissimum
CD 02
01. No. 8, Quid timetis pastores?
02. No. 9, Ecce fideles
03. No. 10, Salve Regina
04. No. 11, Alvescite flores
05. No. 12, Venite omnes
06. No. 13, Obstupescite
07. No. 14, Adoramus te
Giovanni Legrenzi was one of the most gifted and influential composers of his generation, playing a decisive role in the establishment of Baroque style in northern Italy in the latter half of the 17th century. Drawing on the example of Monteverdi, Harmonia d’affetti devoti for two, three, and four voices with organ bass, was intended for liturgical use, but the sung texts depart entirely from tradition, being chosen to maximise the expressive power of their musical settings.
This world premiere recording reveals Legrenzi’s extraordinary melodic refinement, rhythmic vitality and perfect elegance, all designed to rouse listeners to feelings of stupore et maraviglia (“wonder and amazement”).