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Composer

Domenico Natale Sarri

1679 — 1744

Domenico Natale Sarri: An Eminent Figure in Italian Baroque Music

Domenico Natale Sarri, also known as Domenico Sarro or Sarri, was an Italian composer born on December 24, 1679, in Trani, Apulia. He spent almost his entire life in Naples, where he achieved significant recognition during the early 18th century. Sarri composed a wide variety of works, including 18 operas, numerous cantatas, oratorios, and instrumental pieces for flutes and other instruments.

Musical Contributions and Style

Sarri studied at the Neapolitan conservatory of S. Onofrio, a center for musical excellence in southern Italy. His operas were notable for emphasizing vocal music, with elaborate arias written for singers, reflecting trends in Neapolitan opera of the time. Among his most significant achievements was composing Didone abbandonata (1724), the first opera to use a libretto by the famed Pietro Metastasio; and Achille in Sciro, which inaugurated the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples in 1737. Though Sarri’s works are less frequently performed today, they were highly popular in their era, especially in Naples.

Legacy and Recordings

Sarri's output included not just operas but also concertos and chamber music, such as flute concertos, which continue to attract interest among Baroque music performers. His music is occasionally recorded and performed in modern times, often alongside contemporaries like Vivaldi and Robert Valentine, as in the flute concerto programs. While not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Sarri’s music offers insight into the rich operatic and instrumental traditions of 18th-century Naples.

Exploring Italian Baroque with "Flute Concertos by Vivaldi, Valentine, and Domenico Natale Sarri"

In this performance, Reinhard Goebel and Musica Antiqua Köln breathe life into the timeless compositions of these maestros. The nuances of Sarri's innate creativity come to light under the direction of Reinhard Goebel and are given a new dimension by Musica Antiqua Köln. Goebel, a master of historical performance, brings a unique vision and understanding of Baroque music, offering an authentic experience to the audience.

Immerse yourselves in the sonic beauty of Flute Concertos by Vivaldi, Valentine, and Domenico Natale Sarri on STAGE+. Let the massive chords, soulful melody and expressive harmonies transport you back to the golden epoch of Italian Baroque music. This is not just an experience; it's a journey into the heart of music. Hold your breath and step into the fascinating works of Domenico Natale Sarri.