Affetti amorosi

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Girolamo Frescobaldi's "Affetti Amorosi," a stunning collection of vocal and instrumental works that showcase the Italian composer's mastery of the early Baroque period. Released on Glossa in 2018, this album is a treasure trove of musical expressions, drawing from Frescobaldi's "Arie musicali" and "Toccate e partite d'intavolatura" collections.

The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the delicate and introspective "Oscure selve" to the lively and rhythmic "Balletto e ciaccona." Each track is performed with exquisite precision and passion by the talented ensemble Le Banquet céleste, led by the renowned countertenor Damien Guillon. The performances are complemented by the rich, resonant voices of soprano Céline Scheen, tenor Thomas Hobbs, and bass Benoît Arnould, creating a rich tapestry of sound that brings Frescobaldi's compositions to life.

With a duration of just over an hour and nine minutes, "Affetti Amorosi" offers a comprehensive exploration of Frescobaldi's musical genius. The album's 24 tracks are a testament to the composer's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods, from the tender and romantic to the dramatic and intense. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Girolamo Alessandro Frescobaldi, born in the Duchy of Ferrara in 1583, was a virtuoso keyboard player and one of the most influential composers of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. A child prodigy, Frescobaldi studied under the renowned Luzzasco Luzzaschi and was inspired by several notable composers of his time. His career reached great heights when he was appointed as the organist of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a position he held intermittently from 1608 until his death in 1643. Frescobaldi's compositions for harpsichord and organ are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, making him a pivotal figure in the development of keyboard music. His work not only defined the Italian Baroque style but also had a profound impact on the German Baroque school, solidifying his legacy as one of the first great masters of organ composition.