Shade LA Festa DI Stacy (skit)

Eighteenth century Naples was not only a creative, cultural melting pot, but also one of the most important cities in Europe. Full of impressive contrasts between decay and splendour, and with an immense artistic output whose musical influences stretched across Europe, attracting many musicians and composers, Naples was a source of fascination and has retained its appeal to the current day.

Three Venetian contemporaries named Antonio - one, Vivaldi, achieved world fame with his concerti. But who has heard of Antonio Lotti and Caldara today? In their time, they were famous composers beyond the borders of Venice, and yet some of their music has lain dormant in archives for over three hundred years. Now selected alto cantatas by Lotti as well as oratorio introductions and an "Ave Regina" by Caldara may reawaken attention: paired with the "Nisi Dominus", RV 608, and two rousing concerti by Vivaldi, the baroque orchestra la festa musicale and the internationally acclaimed countertenor Alex Potter present an album full of virtuoso and touching musical treasures by the three Antonios from the Canal Grande.

​The Concerti of the violinist-composer Francesco Venturini (c.1675-1745) are a real discovery - melodious, virtuosic, elegant and dance-like, combining Italian and French stylistic elements to form a "mixed taste", as Telemann described this mélange. Inspired by the pulsating cultural and intellectual life at the Hanoverian court, Venturini wrote ambitious orchestral music full of joie de vivre, defined by numerous concertato passages for both wind and string instruments.

Tracking down the miracle of Bach's music: masterworks such as the Brandenburg Concertos have awakened the ensemble's spirit of discovery. In order to better understand their inner architecture and genius, ensemble member Christoph Harer, in collaboration with his colleagues, has created baroque transcriptions from Bach's originals, producing three "Neubrandenburg Concertos". A harpsichord concerto becomes music for three competing string trios; solo and chamber music is transformed into colourful concerto movements for different instrumentations. And a simple vanitas song is transformed into a dreamy string aria. Performing these works, la festa musicale reaches top form: solo parts are distributed across the entire orchestra, and the concertos are carried by the virtuosity and imagination of many. The creative play with originals opens up new and unexpected perspectives on Bach's great music.

Tracking down the miracle of Bach's music: masterworks such as the Brandenburg Concertos have awakened the ensemble's spirit of discovery. In order to better understand their inner architecture and genius, ensemble member Christoph Harer, in collaboration with his colleagues, has created baroque transcriptions from Bach's originals, producing three "Neubrandenburg Concertos". A harpsichord concerto becomes music for three competing string trios; solo and chamber music is transformed into colourful concerto movements for different instrumentations. And a simple vanitas song is transformed into a dreamy string aria. Performing these works, la festa musicale reaches top form: solo parts are distributed across the entire orchestra, and the concertos are carried by the virtuosity and imagination of many. The creative play with originals opens up new and unexpected perspectives on Bach's great music.

Hello, fans of genuine 70's Italian Prog… Rejoice! Fabio Zuffanti (Finisterre) came out with his new side project, La Maschera di Cera. The music mounts back to the best Mellotron / Moog driven symphonic prog performed by bands like Museo Rosenbach or IL Balleto Di Bronzo. All the ingredients are in place: distorted basses, accoustic guitars, an excellent vocalist and very inspired flute passages complete the set. The result is a nostalgic flash-back to the roots of the italian prog. A must for fans of this country's very best!

La Coscienza di Zeno is quickly becoming the new "enfant terrible" of Italian prog, 3 sensational albums into a career that just keeps giving vivid music that adheres to the classic elements that makes RPI so attractive to many , and puzzling to some others.
La Coscienza di Zeno is named after a well-known Italian novel, the title of which translates into English as ''Zeno's conscience''. The band initially played a modern style of progressive music that was influenced by the giants of UK prog rock. In fact, while they were working on their debut album they recorded a track for the Yes tribute project "Tales from the Edge"…