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Donald Macleod explores Alessandro Scarlatti's first period in Naples, where he influenced the course of the city's opera, writing around 70 works for the stage.

Continuing our series on Alessandro Scarlatti, Donald Macleod focuses on the composer's first period in Naples, where he influenced the course of Neapolitan Opera.

As opera became less popular in Rome due to Papal decree, Alessandro Scarlatti soon moved to Naples to pursue his career for the stage. Donald Macleod surveys this period in Naples, where Scarlatti composed around 70 operas. We'll hear Le violette from Pirro e Demetrio, which had an international success.

Although Scarlatti greatly influenced the course of opera in Naples, he still relied upon other work to survive, including his appointment as the Maestro of the Royal Chapel. He composed over sixty cantatas during this period, frequently for the entertainment of Cardinals Ottoboni and Pamphili in Rome. We'll hear the cantata Gia lusingato appieno, linked in narrative to James II of England.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Alessandro Scarlatti

    O cessate di piagarmi, from Il Pompeo

    Performers: José Carreras (tenor), English Chamber Orchestra, Vjekoslav Sutej (conductor)

    • Philips 434926-2.
    • 3.
  • Alessandro Scarlatti

    Già lusingato appieno

    Performers: Lynne Dawson (soprano), The Purcell Quartet

    • Hyperion CDA66254.
    • 13 to 20.
  • Alessandro Scarlatti

    Le violette from Pirro e Demetrio

    Performers: Nancy Argenta (soprano), Chandos Baroque Players

    • EMI CDC7541762.
    • 22.
  • Alessandro Scarlatti

    Suite in G major

    Performers: Martino Noferi (recorder), Il Rossignolo, Ottaviano Tenerani (harpsichord & director)

    • CPO 999856-2.
    • 13 to 17.
  • Alessandro Scarlatti

    Magnificat

    Performers: Anna Simboli (soprano), Elisabetta Tiso (soprano), Paolo Costa (alto), Gianluca Ferrarini (tenor), Sergio Foresti (bass), Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini (director)

    • Naïve OP30350.
    • 12 to 21.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 1 Jun 2010 12:00
  • Tue 1 Jun 2010 22:00
  • Tue 1 Nov 2011 12:00
  • Tue 1 Nov 2011 18:00

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