Classical Net

The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source

Related Links

Recommended Links

Give the Composers Timeline Poster



Site News

What's New for
Winter 2018/2019?

Site Search

Follow us on
Facebook    Twitter

Affiliates

In association with
Amazon
Amazon UKAmazon GermanyAmazon CanadaAmazon FranceAmazon Japan

ArkivMusic
CD Universe

JPC
ArkivMusic

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

CD Review

Stefano Landi

Il Sant'Alessio

Dramma Sacra Musicale in 3 Acts
  • Maryseult Wieczorek (soprano)
  • Sophie Marin-Degor (soprano)
  • Mhairi Lawson (soprano)
  • Stéphanie Révidat (soprano)
  • Patricia Petibon (soprano)
  • Cécile Eloir (mezzo soprano)
  • Katalin Károlyi (mezzo soprano)
  • Steve Dugardin (countertenor)
  • Armand Gavriilidès (countertenor)
  • Christopher Josey (tenor)
  • Nicolas Rivenq (baritone)
  • Clive Bayley (bass)
  • Bertrand Bontoux (bass)
Les Arts Florissants/William Christie
Warner Classics 2564-69935-6 130m DDD
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe

This seldom produced stage work is not only a musical revelation, but also an exciting discovery of how things were done during the Counter-Reformation, particularly on the Catholic side. Composed for the carnival season of 1631, this "Dramma Sacra Musicale" relates the story of one of the Church's earlier saints who was famous for his piety and humble poverty.

St. Alessio was the son of a Roman Senator who left his wife and family to retire to a life of solitary contemplation. After returning from Syria, he lived for 17 years beneath the staircase of his father's house disguised as a beggar, but endowed with heroic holiness.

The libretto by Giulio Rospigliosi (the future Clement XI) projects the character of Alessio with dramatic intensity and although the storyline is slightly embellished, the narrative element contains much that is interesting and makes for a sound text. Landi's music is very beautiful and in some places, he also mirrors contemporaries such as Schütz and Gabrieli in his grand treatment of scared passages.

William Christie has done a fantastic job in resurrecting this sacred drama which deserves its revival on many counts. Sound and soloist performances are naturally of the highest order and I cannot but recommend the set to all those who love sacred music with a penchant for the rare and obscure.

Copyright © 2008, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

© 1995-2022 Classical Net
Use of text, images, or any other copyrightable material contained in these pages, without the written permission of the copyright holder,
except as specified in the Copyright Notice, is strictly prohibited. All Rights Reserved.