Agostino Steffani: Duetti da camera

Performer: Daniela Mazzucato (soprano), Carolyn Watkinson (mezzo-soprano), Paul Esswood (countertenor), John Elwes (tenor) Conductor: Alan Curtis The name of Baroque composer Agostino Steffani (1654 – 1728) has been much in the air recently, and we have taken this opportunity to revive an Archiv Produktion classic from the early 1980s. It features four young Early Music soloists led by Alan Curtis, who in more recent years was behind a whole series of well-received recordings of Handel operas on the label. In a variety of combinations the four soloists – two sopranos and two tenors - present eight charming chamber duets (duetti da camera) by Steffani to the accompaniment of harpsichord and cello. They range from amorous laments to amorous rejoicings, ending with a plea for liberty from love’s bonds. With its new attractive cover, the CD booklet has a full introduction to Steffani and his works, the texts are presented in the original Italian with English translation. BBC Music Magazine, April 2013 **** “Steffani was well noted for his duets which reveal great sensibility to the text as well as a rich formal diversity. Curtis's performances highlight these virtues as 'Gia tu parti' alluringly reveals.”