Album insights
Studying Handel and his era for over two years, I was amazed to witness Porpora's superiority in grand style and dramatic power, as expressed in a personal letter from Romain Rolland to Italian researcher Giuseppe Radiciotti. Despite Porpora's obscurity to the general public today, there is a consensus in music academia about his significance, although a systematic study of his work is lacking. This CD showcases Porpora's diversity, capturing the variables that influenced his work, such as the tastes of his patrons, the historical context of his compositions, and the evolution of his aesthetic philosophy over time.
The comparison between Handel and Porpora, rooted in their rivalry in the London opera scene, has brought attention to the latter, preserving his name in music history. Porpora's career spanned across major European cities, attracting influential patrons and producing a wealth of compositions. The CD features a selection of Porpora's chamber cantatas, highlighting his melodic elegance, emotional depth, and mastery of recitative. Notable works from this collection, like "Già la notte s’avvicina (La pesca)," demonstrate Porpora's exceptional musical qualities.
One standout piece, "Or sì m’avveggio, oh Amore," integrates a concertante cello, unique among Porpora's cantatas. This composition, preserved in a private collection in London, speaks to the enduring interest in Porpora's music among British musicians. "Credimi pur che t’amo," the earliest work on the CD, dates back to 1712 in Rome, reflecting Porpora's assimilation of influences from Rome's music scene. The intricacies of his works, as seen in "Or che d’orrido Verno," exemplify Porpora's innovative approach to music composition, showcasing his refined style and dramatic flair.
Porpora's compositions, with their intricate interplay of voices and instruments, challenge the notion of him solely as a master of virtuosic display. Rather, his music reveals a profound understanding of musical expression, blending technical prowess with emotive storytelling to captivate both intellect and senses, creating a passionate listening experience.