At the turn of the 17th century, Naples was a thriving hub of music, its reach expanding out of Italy to touch all corners of the continent. The influence of the Neapolitan School extended far and wide, attracting talented musicians from Spain and northern Europe. This release brings together some of the most innovative composers of the time, including Alessandro Scarlatti, Trabaci and De Macque, composers whose works inspired generations of writers of keyboard music for years to come, not least Alessandro’s well-known son Domenico. The pieces here illustrate how far ahead of their time the composers really were: the chromaticism featured in Trabaci’s works sheds light on the extraordinary research he and his contemporaries were undertaking, requiring the use of specially designed harpsichords with dozens of extra keys.
Italian musician Stefano Innocenti performs these works on both harpsichord and organ, having specially selected the two instruments according to his research into authentic historical performance. Internationally recognised for his various recitals and competitions, Innocenti is proud to have been installed as organist of the Ducal Palace of Colorno since 1985, where he plays an 18th-century Serassi organ.
Around 1700 Naples was one of the most important centres of music in Europe, a melting pot of different cultures brought in by composers from all over Europe who came there to study with the great Italian masters.
This new recording brings together an astonishing range of keyboard music written by known and unknown masters: Trabaci, De Macque, Valente, Rodio, Storace, Strozzi, Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti.
The music is of a high level of virtuosity and invention, Italian cantilenas, rich ornamentation and instrumental brilliance go hand in hand.
Played on harpsichord and organ by Stefano Innocenti, who did extensive research into this fascinating part of music history, a true scholar, and an excellent soloist!
Booklet notes by the artist, texts on the composers, the music and the historic instruments used.
Contains notes on the pieces in English and Italian
Contains notes on the artist
Contains notes on the instruments used in the recording
Recorded in 2013 in Parma (harpsichord) and at the Auditorium Giani Casa d’Organi, Corte de’ Frati, Cremona (organ), Italy