Neapolitan Christmas

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with Francesco Durante's "Neapolitan Christmas," a captivating collection of sacred vocal works that celebrate the festive season with grace and grandeur. This album, released on November 1, 2011, under the CPO label, features a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Durante's mastery of the late Baroque style.

Born in Frattamaggiore in the Kingdom of Sicily, Francesco Durante (1684-1755) was a prolific composer whose works are celebrated for their depth and beauty. "Neapolitan Christmas" offers a selection of Durante's most revered pieces, performed by the talented ensemble Kölner Akademie, along with notable vocalists Roberta Mameli, Andreas Post, Ursula Eittinger, and Stephan MacLeod.

The album spans a duration of approximately 72 minutes and includes a variety of genres within the classical realm, such as choral and vocal music. Highlights include the "Ad presepe venite" cantata, which features a mix of recitatives, arias, and duets, and the "Missa in pastorale in A Major," a grand mass that employs traditional "pastoral" devices to evoke the spirit of Christmas.

Recorded in November 2010 at Deutschlandfunk, the album benefits from high-quality production, ensuring that every nuance of Durante's compositions is captured with clarity and precision. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, "Neapolitan Christmas" promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.