Arias and Sinfonias from cantatas and operas

Alessandro Scarlatti, whose 300th anniversary of death is commemorated this year, is certainly one of the most emblematic composers of the Baroque repertoire. Nicknamed "The Italian Orpheus" by his contemporaries, he is often regarded as the founder of the Neapolitan school of opera, whose model remained the benchmark for opera seria until the time of Mozart. In particular, he is credited with inventing the 'accompagnato', a dramatic recitativo accompanied by the orchestra, the Italian overture in 3 movements and the definitive form of the famous 'aria da capo', which subsequently spread throughout Europe.

The programme of this "anniversary concert" will trace the development of Alessandro Scarlatti's musical style from his first opera "Gli Equivoci nel sembiante", composed in Rome for Queen Christine of Sweden and still heavily influenced by composers such as Cavalli and Cesti, to mature works which were a source of inspiration for composers such as Vivaldi and Haendel, via excerpts from his magnificent cantatas, veritable little "laboratories" that allowed Scarlatti to experiment with new musical forms and new modes of expression.

Since his album "Profano e Sacro"(2012) dedicated to Alessandro Scarlatti, Belgian countertenor Dominique Corbiau has been passionate about the music of this composer, which is particularly suited to his voice and musical sensibilities.

Dominique Corbiau, countertenor and musical director

LA CAMERATA SFERICA

Shiho Ono, violin
Rafael Núñez, violin
Laura Pok, recorder and viola da gamba
Ariane De Bièvre, traverso and percussion
Leonor Sà, cello
Nina Lakicevic, harpsichord
Emi Shiraki, baroque harp
Fabrice Holvoet, theorbo and baroque guitar