ANTONIO CESTI (1623-1669): Le disgrazie d'Amore.

Description: The only available complete opera by this important composer who, along with Cavalli, were the most important representatives of the 17th century Venetian school of opera. Dating from 1667, when Cesti was Vice-Kapellmeister to the imperial court in Vienna, Le disgrazie synthesizes the comical parodic register of the Venetian esthetic with the moral, edifying dimension inherent to court opera. Here, this is accomplished through a libretto mocking the pagan gods and the morally reprehensible excesses caused by amorous passion. Two notable features are the importance of sung declamation (developed by the Florentine school) and the many superb instrumental pieces, ranging from ritornelli accompanying the arias to several expressive ballets. 2 CDs. Italian-English libretto. Cristiana Arcari, Maria Grazia Schiavo, Paolo Lopez (sopranos), Furio Zanasi (baritone), Antonio Abete, Luigi de Donato (basses), Auser Musici; Carlo Ipata.