Dolce World

Domènech Terradellas, born in Barcelona in 1713, finished his studies in Naples, with Durante amongst others, and became one of the most popular composers of his time. His operas rivalled those of Handel, Hasse and Jommelli and were to be seen on the major stages of Rome, Naples, Florence,Venice but also London, and his name was revered as a model for good taste by Rousseau and Burney. After his premature death in 1751, the Catalan composer fell into oblivion and it is only recently that first class interpreters have showed an interest in him once again.

An outstanding Italian musican, Stefano Demicheli has been René Jacobs' closest assistant for many years and with him has performed on Europe's main opera stages. A distinguished harpsichordist, who studied with Ottavio Dantone, he is now the leader of the Dolce & Tempesta ensemble, consisting of the best soloists from the European period instrument ensembles.This new recording on Fuga Libera gives us the world première of the three Notturni composed c.1740 by Porpora, Handel's strongest rival in London, for the All Souls Day in Naples. Carried by one of the most powerfully expressive texts in the Christian canon, this is an opportunity to hear two stunning soloists: Monica Piccinini and Romina Basso and also the Stagione Armonica of Padova.

Francesca Caccini (no relative of the male composer with the same name) was a remarkable composer, singer, lutenist and poet in the Italian Baroque, serving at the prestigious court of the Medicis. She was a celebrated soprano, wrote a full scale opera (the first ever written by a woman) and excelled in her own works.

Menahem Pressler - Schubert / Mozart / Beethoven (2013) {La Dolce Volta}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 216 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 178 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 284 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2013 La Dolce Volta / Harmonia Mundi | LDV 12
Classical / Early Romantic / Piano

Menahem Pressler is a living legend of the piano. A founding member of the famed Beaux Arts Trio, Pressler's career was launched in 1946 when he won first prize at the Debussy International Piano Competition. After a working as a soloist for a decade, he then became one of the world's most famous chamber musicians, playing with the Beaux Arts Trio for 53 years. This solo album celebrates Pressler's 90th birthday with a collection of music from the Viennese Classical tradition. It pairs Schubert's Piano Sonata No.18 with Beethoven's Bagatelles and a remarkably poignant A minor Rondo by Mozart. The music here encompasses the full range of emotions. Pressler has honed his sonority to the point where it resembles a vocal timbre. His sound is infinitely warm, pure and tender, like a fine vintage wine. This disc is a true event, giving listeners the sensation of being transported back to a lost era.