This CD is the second issue in the series "Italian Musicians in Iberian archives" promoted by the IMLA as part of its project; "Italian-Latin American relations". After the first volume was dedicated to musicians from the Puglia region, this present helping focuses on composers from the Veneto region.
When one observes the history of European music during the latter part of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th, Italian music had long been the archetype not only in the Western world, but also in countries beyond the continent, particularly in Spanish speaking places from the New World.
In fact, many Spanish and Latin American composers adopted works of the great Italian masters of their time and brought them in line by reshaping the original texts and music and fitting them into the local liturgy.
This disc features music by Galuppi, Facco and Pampani as might have been performed in Guatemala and Bolivia during the 18th century and all the pieces are full of noble brilliance and stunning virtuosity.
Albalonga's performances are no less exhilarating and although recently formed, they have already acquired an enviable reputation in this repertoire. An exciting instalment in this series with exemplary SACD sound and very eye catching presentation.
Copyright © 2008 by Gerald Fenech