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Strozzi's Voice: A 17th Century Musical Revelation
29 Jan
Summary
- Barbara Strozzi published 120 solo vocal works, unmatched by contemporaries.
- Her music was her sole income, supporting four children.
- Accademia dell'Annunciata's performance offers shimmering sweetness to Strozzi's music.
Barbara Strozzi, a pivotal 17th-century composer, was a revolutionary figure in music. As the daughter of poet Giulio Strozzi, she was deeply immersed in Venice's intellectual circles from a young age. Her prolific output of 120 published solo vocal works remained unmatched by any of her peers.
The album "Virtuosissima Sirena" showcases Strozzi's cantatas and arias, interspersed with vibrant trio sonatas. Accademia dell'Annunciata's ensemble, featuring two violins, cello, theorbo, double harp, and harpsichord, imbues the music with a luxurious sweetness, creating an enchanting listening experience.
Strozzi's musical language is rich with madrigalian effects, employing dissonance to express pain and rests to convey sighs. Soprano Laura Catrani delivers an emotive performance, notably in "L'Amante Segreto," a poignant lament, and "Costume de Grande," a lively piece based on her father's poetry. Riccardo Doni's direction allows the music to breathe and its expressive qualities to shine.
