It's always fascinating to go back in time and re-discover the origins of a genre-defining band, especially one that has been as influential as Within Temptation. Originally released in 1997, the stripped down and dark/gothic doom of Enter stands in stark contrast to the polished and catchy Hydra, their latest studio release out earlier this year. And while Enter was previously reissued in 2007 along with the 1998 EP The Dance, Nuclear Blast - perhaps in light of the recent success of Hydra - decided to make these more obscure and out of print titles once again available for new (and old I suppose) fans of the band…
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) is one of the 'giants' of Venetian musicians. Surprisingly, while he was recognized as an exceptionally talented violinist, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1703! One of the high points of his career was his long (though intermittent), association with the Ospedale della Pieta, the orphanage for girls which had a tradition of fine musical training of the girls, which Vivaldi undertook most successfully, first as violin master, then in other capacities. He composed most of his music while working there.
“During this visit, these young ladies were so obliging as to sing me a Salve regina, lately set by their father, in duo. It is an exquisite composition, full of grace, taste and propriety.” What more could one ask of an antiphon than that which Charles Burney found in an impromptu performance by Hasse’s daughters during a visit to their father in Vienna in 1772? Hasse composed several settings of the Salve regina of which Reinhard Goebel has chosen two for his interesting programme of vocal and instrumental pieces by the composer.