Tomasz

New love, position, power, revenge, disguise, mistaken identity, complications and passionate devotion the full spectrum of baroque opera seria is here in this brilliant, vivid setting of a powerful and moving story.
Pergolesi - a musical genius cut off in his prime. Famed for his Stabat Mater, even though he died aged just 26 he had already completed four opera seria; Adriano in Siria is the third of these. Composing for only around a decade before he succumbed to tuberculosis aged 26, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi was so well known for his music that the instant that his death was known, all Italy manifested an eager desire to hear and possess his productions …

Polish composer and trumpeter Tomasz Stanko's career has been long and varied – from working with the legendary Krzysztof Komeda in the 1950s and '60s, to his own work that ranges form hard bop to electronic improvisation. A wonderful illustration of that principle is his association with Manfred Eicher's ECM label. This volume, in the excellent Rarum series, begins with Stanko's first date as a leader for ECM in 1975 on the album Balladyna. There are two selections from the set highlighting what was well-known at the time as his radical "predatory lyricism" method of composition and soloing.

Tomasz Stanko is a Polish trumpeter, composer and improviser. Often recording for ECM Records, Stanko is strongly associated with free jazz and the avant-garde. Stanko has since established a reputation as a leading figure not only in Polish jazz, but on the world stage as well, working with many notable musicians, including Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Reggie Workman, Rufus Reid, Lester Bowie, David Murray, Manu Katche and Chico Freeman. In 1984 he was a member of Cecil Taylor's big band.