For two years I researched the era of George Frideric Handel and discovered something fascinating. About a century ago, Romain Rolland, in a letter to the Italian scholar Giuseppe Radiciotti, expressed his astonishment at Nicola Porpora's dramatic power and stylistic mastery. Although the Neapolitan composer is recognized in specialist circles, he remains largely unknown to the general public. Experts, however, agree on the significance of his work, which has so far only been partially explored. This CD presents a selection of his high-quality cantatas, showcasing Porpora's musical versatility.
The rivalry between Handel and Porpora has deep historical roots in the London opera scene. In the early 1730s, Porpora came to England at the invitation of the Opera of Nobility, where he left a significant mark until the institution's collapse in 1736-37. While the competition between the two composers shaped Porpora's reputation, it also prevented his name from fading into obscurity. His career was marked by successes in various European cities. An underestimated aspect of his work was his significance as a composer of chamber cantatas.
In a collection of twelve cantatas published in 1735, Porpora's musical abilities become clearly evident. Works such as "Già la notte s'avvicina (La pesca)" demonstrate not only his melodic elegance but also his innovative musical approaches. With compositions like "Or sì m'avveggio, oh Amore," which was the first to use a concertante cello in his cantatas, he expanded his artistic range. The cantata "Credimi pur che t'amo," composed in Rome in 1712, underscores his creative versatility. Also noteworthy is the chamber cantata "Or che d'orrido Verno," which showcases the refinement of his style and the complex interplay of voice, instruments, and orchestration.
Porpora was more than just a skilled composer of vocal arias. The technical virtuosity he demanded of his musicians served a higher purpose: the creation of a natural and captivating musical style that resonated with the audience's emotions. Despite centuries of neglect, his works attest to his exceptional musical abilities and undeniable originality as a composer.