Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque opera with Alessandro Scarlatti's "La sposa dei cantici," a monumental work that showcases the composer's mastery of vocal expression and dramatic storytelling. Released on September 5, 2023, under the Acis label, this album spans an impressive 1 hour and 25 minutes, featuring 47 individual tracks that together form a cohesive and captivating musical journey.
"La sposa dei cantici" is a testament to Scarlatti's genius, offering a blend of intricate arias and ensemble pieces that highlight the talents of the featured vocalists. Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Jay Carter, and Ryland Angel deliver powerful performances, each bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Under the direction of Matthew Dirst and the Ars Lyrica Houston ensemble, the album benefits from a rich orchestration that complements the vocal lines beautifully.
The opera is divided into two parts, each containing a series of arias and duets that explore themes of love, longing, and redemption. From the opening sinfonia to the final triumphant chorus, "La sposa dei cantici" is a feast for the ears, with Scarlatti's melodies and harmonies shining throughout. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of Baroque vocal music.
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 1. Sinfonia, Largo-PrestoAlessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 1. Sinfonia, AllegroAlessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 2a. "Se la fiamma che m’avviva"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 2b. "Lumi dolenti, lumi"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 3a. "Dorme la mia diletta"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 3b. "Qui fra tanto ai fiori in seno"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 4a. "S’ama sì la tua sposa e se tu l’ami"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 4b. "Come il sol nei rai nel fonte"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Jay Carter, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 5a. Largo e staccato: OrridoAlessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 5b. "Ohime qual tormentosa"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 5c. "Fide amiche donzellette"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 6a. "De passati tormenti, in sogno ancora"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 6b. "Tu paventi e ancor non senti"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 7a. "Vicino è il mio conforto"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 7b. "Non fidarti del tuo ciglio"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 8a. "Per monti e valli"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 8b. "Dunque fa ch’al alto impero"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 9a. "Se a parte fosti del mio duolo in vita"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 9b. "Mi dirai tutte le pene"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 10. "Meco al pari e chi disprezza"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 11a. "Ne’ chiusi Regni mie"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 11b. "Al lieto grido"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 12a. "Sant’Amor, se pur sei"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 1: 12b. "Venga e regni, se regina la destina"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 13. "Qual colomba al caro nido"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 14a. "Del deserto natio dove gran tempo"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 14b. "Che costei ch’oltre il costume"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 15a. "Sì quella appunto, ch’il pudico petto"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 15b. "Chi ad amarla destinò"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 16a. "Pria che l’estremo giorno"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 16b. "Vieni, vieni, e porta al cielo"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 17a. "Morte non già la mia catena ha sciolta"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 17b. "Quando il tutto era in te solo"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 18a. "O voi, che l’universo"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 18b. "Ecco già ch’ella s’en viene"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 19a. "Fra le angeliche schiere"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 19b. "Come al crine d’eroe"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 20a. "Vi son pur giunta, oh cara, cara, cara"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 20b. "Fortunati miei sospiri"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 21a. "Tutto sparso di raggio il real manto"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 21b. "Se l’invitta mia guerriera"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 22a. "S’apran le chiuse porte"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 22b. "Sciolta è già l’aspra catena"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Jay Carter, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 23a. "E voi, ch’in notte oscura"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 23b. "Come il sole fra nubi celato"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Ryland Angel, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 24a. "Vergine fortunata, i tuoi bei lumi"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
La sposa dei cantici, Pt. 2: 24b. "Dolce nome, amato figlio"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ars Lyrica Houston, Meghan Lindsay, John Holiday, Matthew Dirst
Alessandro Scarlatti, born in Palermo in 1660, stands as one of the most influential figures in Baroque music, particularly renowned for his operatic works and chamber cantatas. Often hailed as the "Italian Orpheus," Scarlatti's compositions laid the groundwork for the Neapolitan school of opera, making him a pivotal figure in the development of classical harmony and the Italian overture. His prolific career spanned over a hundred operas, more than 600 cantatas, and numerous religious works, showcasing his versatility and innovation. Scarlatti's music, characterized by its vividness and singability, reflects his early struggles and relentless drive, making each piece a testament to his genius. His influence extended far beyond his time, inspiring composers like Mozart and leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music.