Scintilla

At the age of 29 Hasse was on his first visit to Italy when he wrote 'La Contadina' in Naples. The music of the intermezzo, which sparkles with wit and temperament, enjoyed such a great success that a total of 38 productions in major European opera houses can be documented between 1728 and 1769. 'La Contadina' was one of the hits of the 18th century.

At the age of 29 Hasse was on his first visit to Italy when he wrote 'La Contadina' in Naples. The music of the intermezzo, which sparkles with wit and temperament, enjoyed such a great success that a total of 38 productions in major European opera houses can be documented between 1728 and 1769. 'La Contadina' was one of the hits of the 18th century.

This unusual set has Jimmy Giuffre (on clarinet, tenor and baritone) in a pianoless quartet with trumpeter Jack Sheldon, bassist Ralph Pena and drummer Artie Anton. The music (all but one of the ten numbers are by Giuffre) puts an emphasis on cool tones and relaxed improvising, hinting at folk themes but sounding quite modern for the time.

Performed on early 19th century instruments and presented with brisk tempos, bright tone colors, and a lean ensemble sound, this 2013 Decca recording of Vincenzo Bellini's tragic opera Norma strives to re-create the authentic vocal style and instrumental sonorities that would have been heard at its premiere. This reading is based on a critical study of the manuscript and other sources by Maurizio Biondi and Riccardo Minasi. To the extent that Cecilia Bartoli is able to re-create the historical role of Norma and remove the modern associations that came with time (especially from the 20th century performances by Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, and Montserrat Caballé), she impresses with a lighter voiced and agile heroine who is wholly believable in this highly florid bel canto role.

Performed on early 19th century instruments and presented with brisk tempos, bright tone colors, and a lean ensemble sound, this 2013 Decca recording of Vincenzo Bellini's tragic opera Norma strives to re-create the authentic vocal style and instrumental sonorities that would have been heard at its premiere. This reading is based on a critical study of the manuscript and other sources by Maurizio Biondi and Riccardo Minasi. To the extent that Cecilia Bartoli is able to re-create the historical role of Norma and remove the modern associations that came with time (especially from the 20th century performances by Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, and Montserrat Caballé), she impresses with a lighter voiced and agile heroine who is wholly believable in this highly florid bel canto role.

Desert Dwellers has its roots in the Southern California dance collective known as Moontribe … and tribal dance rituals at magical locations deep within the vast expanse of the New Mexico, Mojave, and Black Rock Deserts.