With Siface: l'amor castrato, countertenor Filippo Mineccia, together with Javier Ulises Illan and Nereydas, presents a short imaginary pasticcio opera reflecting the music-making and life of the contralto castrato known by that stage name. Born Giovanni Francesco Grossi in 1653 in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Siface was acclaimed for his exciting musical performances, yet who became famous also for the tragedy of his love life. He was called upon to sing in operas and oratorios by the likes of Stradella, Pasquini, Bassani, Pallavicino and Agostini. For a long time in the service of Francesco II d'Este in Modena, Siface was an active member of the musical "ducal circuit" in the Italian peninsula, even, on one occasion, additionally being sent to England, where he performed before monarchy, and met and impressed Henry Purcell. Filippo Mineccia brilliantly captures the kaleidoscopic rush of emotions coursing through this selection of arias, which reflects the torrid and spectacular musical pace of life in late seventeenth-century Italy (as well as mirroring Siface's own downfall on the road from Ferrara to Bologna). The Spanish ensemble Nereydas fully enter into the spirit of this, by turns, colourful, heartfelt, poignant and vivid celebration of vocal and instrumental music, which also features works by Alessandro Scarlatti (the emotive lullaby Dormi o fulmine), Francesco Cavalli and Purcell (My song shall be alway).

Tracklist:

San Giovanni Battista: Overture
San Giovanni Battista: Amiche Selve
San Giovanni Battista: Deste Un Tempo
Vespasiano: È Pur Caro Il Poter Dire
La Susanna: Voi Donzelle
San Giovanni Battista: Soffin Pur Rabbiosi
La Sete Di Cristo: Overture
Scipione Affricano: Hora Si Ch'assai Più Fiero
San Giovanni Battista: Io Per Me Non Cangerei
Il Bassiano: Overture
II Ratto Delle Sabine: Hor Ch'in Sopor Profondo
II Ratto Delle Sabine: Sorgi O Bella Da Le Piume
I Due Germani Rivali: Tremino, Crollino
La Tromba Della Divina Misericordia: Overture
L'ingresso Alla Gioventù Di Claudio Nerone: Languia D'amor
L'ingresso Alla Gioventù Di Claudio Nerone: Con Un Bacio
I Fatti Di Mosè Nel Deserto: D'una Fede Al Vivo Zelo
La Susanna: Overture
La Susanna: Ma Folle E Ben Chi Crede
Il Giona: Core Misero
II Ratto Delle Sabine: Voglio Guerra
My Song Shall Be Alway, Z. 31
Sefauchi's Farewell In D Minor, Z. 656
I Fatti Di Mosè Nel Deserto: Ma Nostre Voci Flebili
La Giuditta: Dormi O Fulmine

UPC: 8424562235144
Label: Glossa
Release Date: 3.2.18
Format: CD

Lamor Castrato / Various - L'amor Castrato (CD)