Unknown works by Benedetto Marcello

Two musicians who have known each other for a long time are responsible for these new discoveries of works by Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739) that are well worth hearing. Soprano Nuria Rial and conductor Nicoleta Paraschivescu naturally got to know each other in Basel, the former studying at the University of Music, the latter with Andrea Marcon at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, where she founded her ensemble La Floridiana in 2011. And they both enjoy exploring baroque music, where the pool of music seems inexhaustible.

A precious manuscript decorated with drawings forms the starting point for the recording of the cantatas; it belongs to the Schneider-Genewein Collection in Zurich. A stroke of luck for Paraschivescu: "These cantatas have never been recorded before. A total of around 400 solo cantatas by Marcello are documented, many in different manuscripts and in different libraries. But this particular one contains two unique pieces. This manuscript is also special because it is very elegant and elaborate, with painted initials."

The enthusiasm and attachment to Marcello's music is unmistakable in the interpretations. The music is colorful and very agile. The chosen sequence of works is exciting and successful, as the symphony and cantatas alternate, which makes the whole thing even more lively. The cantatas are also exciting. Ti sento Amor, ti sento is a piece with a typical lamento character, in which Qual turbine improvviso In contrast, wild storm and rage dominate.

The full richness of this music unfolds in the harmony of Nuria Rial's silvery-sounding, perfectly conducted soprano and the fast-paced and nuanced Ensemble La Floridiana. The spatial effect of the acoustics rounds off the recording.

Benedetto Marcello: Sinfonias & Cantatas, La Floridiana, Nuria Rial, Nicoleta Paraschivescu. German Harmonia Mundi 196587106829