Experience the vibrant and captivating world of 18th-century opera buffa with Niccolò Jommelli's "Jommelli: Uccellatrice," a delightful recording released in 2003. This album, featuring the Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Vanni Moretto, brings to life the witty and charming intermezzo "L'Uccellatrice" (The Bird Catcher), a lesser-known gem from the prolific composer.
The intermezzo, originally composed for a performance in Stuttgart, is a delightful farce centered around the clever Mergellina and the hapless Don Narciso. With a running time of just over 55 minutes, the album is divided into two parts, each containing a series of arias and duets that showcase the vocal agility and comedic timing of the performers. The album features the talented Emanuela Galli as Mergellina and Luciano Grassi as Don Narciso, with both singers delivering impressive performances that bring depth and nuance to their respective characters.
The recording, released on the Dynamic label, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Jommelli's music, which seamlessly blends Italian opera buffa traditions with the composer's unique harmonic language. The Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra provides a lively and spirited accompaniment, with Vanni Moretto's conducting bringing out the best in both the soloists and the ensemble.
"Jommelli: Uccellatrice" is a delightful addition to any classical music collection, offering a unique blend of humor, charm, and musical virtuosity. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and entertain. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies and witty dialogue of "L'Uccellatrice" transport you to the vibrant world of 18th-century opera buffa.
2003 Dynamic2003 Dynamic
Tracks
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: OvertureNiccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Chi ha perduto l'amoroso (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Oh stranissima cosa (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Non fuggirete (Mergellina)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: E Diana senz'altro (Don Narciso, Mergellina)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: V'ho capito, occhi furbetti (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Dunque, poiche volete (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Ecco che viene un calandrino (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: A voi, a voi (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Uccelletto, bell'uccelletto (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Eh dico, dove andate … (Don Narciso, Mergellina)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part I: Con me vuoi far l'amore? (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Overture from CroesusNiccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Chi vuol comprar (Mergellina)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Ma io sono pur pazza (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Chi e bello non dona (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Onde no? (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Ma voglio quell'anello (Mergellina)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Oh fierissimo assalto (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Esci, esci, oh che pena!Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Gia sento i cani (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Ma io sono anche intatto (Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: MarchNiccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Mettetevi d'intorno a questa valle (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
L'Uccellatrice (The Bird Catcher): Part II: Narcisetto insolentello (Mergellina, Don Narciso)Niccolò Jommelli, Emanuela Galli, Luciano Grassi, Milan Classical Chamber Orchestra, Moretto Vanni
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.
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Niccolò Jommelli
