Experience the timeless tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage, through the masterful composition of Francesco Cavalli's "Didone." This 17th-century Italian opera, meticulously crafted and performed, brings to life the poignant tale of love, betrayal, and fate as depicted in Virgil's Aeneid. With a running time of over two hours, this choral masterpiece is a profound exploration of human passion and divine intervention.
Composed by Francesco Cavalli with a libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello, "Didone" is conducted by the renowned William Christie and performed by the esteemed Les Arts Florissants. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, each bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles, from the tragic queen Didone to the heroic Enea and the cunning Iarba.
The opera is divided into a prologue and three acts, each scene richly detailed and musically evocative. From the opening "Caduta e Troia" to the final, heart-wrenching moments, the music and lyrics weave a tapestry of drama and pathos. The choral arrangements and orchestral accompaniments by Les Arts Florissants enhance the storytelling, making this recording a standout in the genre of Baroque opera.
Released on June 7, 2011, under the Dynamic label, "Didone" is a testament to Cavalli's enduring legacy and the enduring appeal of his operatic works. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey into the world of 17th-century Italian opera, showcasing the artistry of Cavalli and the timeless narrative of Dido's tragic love.
2011 Dynamic2011 Dynamic
Tracks
Didone: Prologue: Caduta e Troia (Iride)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 1: Armi d'Enea, diamo all'armi! (Creusa, Enea, Acate, Ascanio)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 2: Non perdonate al tempio? (Cassandra)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 3: L'alma fiacca svani (Cassandra)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 4: O con qual gusto (Sinone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 5: Vaneggiante fanciullo (Anchise)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 6: Omai pon freno all'impeto dell'ira (Venere)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 7: Andianne, o genitor, figlio, consorte (Enea)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act I Scene 8: Diva anzi più che diva (Venere)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 1: Per eccesso d'affetto (Iarba)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 2: Re de' Getuli altero (Didone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 3: Stamane, mentre l'alba (Didone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 4: Le ceneri troiane (Giunone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 5: Smoderati insolenti (Nettuno)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 6: Gia del lido africano (Venere)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 7: Campioni invitti (Enea)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 8: Mirate la signor (Acate)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 9: Giunge un ambasciator (Dama Prima)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 10: Bellissima regina (Enea)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 11: Udiste, o mie dilette (Dama Prima)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 12: O castita bugiarda (Iarba)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act II Scene 13: O bella oltre ogni stima (Iarba)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 1: Qual violenza interna (Didone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 1: O regina, o mia Didone (Anna)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 2: Pur t'ho colta, assassina! (Iarba)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 3: Al cinghiale, al cinghiale (Cacciatori)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 4: Mercurio vedi tu (Giove)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 5: Enea, che fai, che pensi? (Mercurio)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 6: Dormi, cara Didone! (Enea)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 7: Perfido, disleale! (Didone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 8: Enea rivolto ha 'l piede (Dama Prima)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 9: Ecco Iarba impazzito (Mercurio)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 10: Porgetemi la spada (Didone)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Didone, Act III Scene 11: O dei, che veggio? (Iarba)Francesco Cavalli, Claron McFadden, Magnus Staveland, Jordi Domenech, Manuela Custer, Marina de Liso, Donatella Lombardi, Isabel Alvarez, Antonio Lozano, Gian Luca Zoccatelli, Filippo Morace, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Roberto Abbondanza, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi
Francesco Cavalli, born in 1602 in the Venetian city of Crema, was a pivotal figure in the early Baroque period, renowned for his prolific and influential work in opera. As a pupil of the legendary Claudio Monteverdi, Cavalli succeeded his mentor as the leading opera composer of the mid-17th century. His career flourished in Venice, where he composed over thirty operas, many of which premiered in the city's pioneering theatres. Cavalli's most celebrated works include 'Ormindo' (1644), 'Giasone' (1649), and 'La Calisto' (1651), which continue to captivate audiences with their rich musical tapestry and dramatic depth. Beyond his operatic achievements, Cavalli's compositions span a broad range of genres, from sacred to secular music, reflecting his versatility and enduring impact on the Baroque era.