Jommelli: Didone abbandonata

Album Description

Experience the grandeur of Baroque opera with Niccolò Jommelli's masterful rendition of "Didone abbandonata" in its third and final version. This stunning 3-CD set, released by Orfeo, offers a comprehensive journey through Jommelli's operatic genius, showcasing his evolution as a composer and his deep understanding of the dramatic potential of music.

Composed in 1763, this version of "Didone abbandonata" reflects Jommelli's mature style, characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate orchestration, and profound emotional depth. The opera, based on Pietro Metastasio's libretto, tells the tragic tale of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and her doomed love for Aeneas. With a running time of over two hours, this recording provides an immersive experience of Jommelli's musical storytelling.

The album features an outstanding cast of vocalists, including Dorothea Röschmann as Didone, Martina Borst as Enea, and William Kendall as Iarba, among others. Accompanied by the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester under the direction of Frieder Bernius, their performances bring vividly to life the drama and passion of the opera.

The recording includes the complete opera, divided into three acts and numerous scenes, offering a detailed exploration of Jommelli's compositional techniques and his ability to convey the complexities of human emotion through music. From the stirring overture to the poignant final scenes, this album is a testament to Jommelli's enduring legacy in the world of Baroque opera.

Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this recording of "Didone abbandonata" is an essential addition to your collection. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the full scope of Jommelli's artistic vision and to appreciate the timeless beauty of Baroque opera.

January 1, 2016

2016 Orfeo

About Niccolò Jommelli

Niccolò Jommelli, born in Aversa, Italy, in 1714, was a pioneering composer of the Neapolitan School whose innovative works left an indelible mark on the operatic landscape of the mid-eighteenth century. Known for his eclectic style, Jommelli seamlessly blended Italian, German, and French musical elements, earning admiration from contemporaries like Mozart. His operatic reforms, which included reducing the ornateness of style and the dominance of star singers, significantly influenced the genre. Jommelli's prolific career spanned over 220 stage works, including more than 60 operas, as well as numerous oratorios, cantatas, masses, and chamber music. His journey took him through major European cities, including Rome, Vienna, Stuttgart, and Naples, where he held prestigious positions such as "Ober-Kapellmeister" at the ducal court of Stuttgart and vice-chapelmaster at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Despite suffering a stroke in 1771, Jommelli continued to compose until his death in 1774, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.