Jommelli: La Critica

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, historical sounds of the Baroque era with Niccolò Jommelli's "La Critica," a captivating live recording from the Schlosstheater Ludwigsburg, captured on November 20, 2016. This album, released on August 4, 2023, under the FIN label, offers a comprehensive journey through Jommelli's masterful composition, featuring 41 tracks that span over 1 hour and 52 minutes.

Niccolò Jommelli, an influential composer of the Baroque period, brings his unique style and depth of expression to this live performance. "La Critica" is a dramatic work that showcases Jommelli's ability to blend intricate orchestration with powerful vocal performances. The album includes a variety of musical forms, from sinfonias and arias to recitatives and duets, each contributing to the overall dramatic narrative.

The live setting adds an extra layer of authenticity and energy, making this recording a standout in Jommelli's discography. The Concerto Stella Matutina, known for their exceptional performances of Baroque music, brings this work to life with precision and passion. Whether you're a seasoned fan of classical music or a curious newcomer, "La Critica" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

August 4, 2023

(P) 2023 fra bernardo

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.