Nicola Dinan

After having enchanted us with Porpora's Notturni, the Dolce & Tempesta Ensemble now reveals new hidden treasures of the Neapolitan School. A rival of Domenico de Matteis, the irascible violinist Nicola Fiorenza (ca. 1700 - 1764) used to strike his pupils with his sword at the conservatory Santa Maria di Loreto in Naples while writing delightful works, full of inventiveness, charm and fancy. His concerti grossi are played with the brilliance and tastefulness which characterise the extraordinary Italian virtuoso ensemble founded by harpsichordist Stefano Demicheli. A programme never before recorded and the discovery of a forgotten and most endearing character!

Filmed in 1981, live from the Metropolitan Opera, Luciano Pavarotti sings Nemorino in Donizetti's comic opera. This one of his Pavarotti's most famous roles and here he sings it in his prime joined by an all-star ensemble: Judith Blegen sings the role of Adina and the great comic baritone Sesto Bruscantini plays the wily Dr Dulcamara. Nicola Rescigno conducts. Kirk Browning's production is traditional and entertaining.