A simple motto for lovers everywhere characterises this piece – "If you are constant I will also be faithful…!"

In RARA format concluding with a lovely chromatic Siciliano (appropriate considering d’Astorga’s background).

Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(12)

Range: e – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Poiche deggio partire appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Fileno is once again in love, this time with a Filli who returns his feelings – taking pleasure in the joys of Spring. Two excellent arias, the first with some particularly piquant chromaticisms.

Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(8)

Range: c – d’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Regio fior pompa d’Aprile appeared first on Cantata Editions.

A wonderfully piece, full of twists and turns. ARA format with a first aria of many chromatic passages and keys. "Think for a moment on my constancy and my sincere love as I suffer these torments".

Range: eb to ab’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: In questo core appeared first on Cantata Editions.

For once love and constancy is rewarded. Although the lover fears jealousy and distance from the beloved, ‘hope springs eternal’ for "…the distance between us is nothing when I know of your sweet constancy…" Some wonderfully chromatic moments in the first largo aria and the closing allegro is fully of rhythmic shifts.

Source: Santini HS 859 (last)

Range: e flat – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Non lasciarmi o bella speme appeared first on Cantata Editions.

This is taking the sacrifice for love just a little too far. Despite Irene’s nastiness, her coldness, her viciousness her lover still wants to just die for her. Oh, please! In RARA format with a strikingly strong first aria in cut common time and a wonderful sinuous final largo.

Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(15)

Range: d – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Ecco perfida Irene appeared first on Cantata Editions.

In the classically charming pastoral theme, in a pleasant woods love’s constancy is questioned, found wanting and not forgiven – the lover awaits his beloved’s return in death. Excellent arias and complex recitatives.

Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(5)

Range: c – e’ flat

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: In queste amene selve appeared first on Cantata Editions.

‘Clori, who one day boasted of constancy in her breast and fidelity in her heart…’ is not! Another setting of this poetry (see Mancini’s), this time by the enigmatic Barone d’Astorga. In RARA format, this is delightful with some interesting challenges for the cellist.

Source: Biblioteca del Conservatorio di Music S Pietro a Majella, Naples.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Clori, che un dì vantava costanza in petto appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Willing to die from the effects of love, but knowing of the inability of women to properly love or be faithful, our shepherd rejects the laughter of Cupid at his pains, knowing that a single glance from his beloved would give him the last laugh!

In ARA format with a affettuoso beginning and an allegro finish sourrounding a characteristically complex recitative this is an enjoyable and challenging example of the genre.

Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(1)

Range: f – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: E pur dolce, dolce amore appeared first on Cantata Editions.

The course of true love never runs smooth and in this delightful story of Aminta & Dorinda two emotions play in her heart – disdain and love – what will the outcome be? Dorinda will remain constant!

Source: (autograph?) in the British Museum RM.22.a.8(1)

Range: d – a”

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Che fai, che pensi, e che risolvi? appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Just like pushing stones up-hill, maintaining a relationship! No matter how close or how far (this is a lontananza cantata) the pain is constant. "Distance only brings pain". A wonderfully sinuous first aria and a straighforward, no-nonsense final andante. RARA format.

Range: d – ab”

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Astorga: Che Sisifo infelice appeared first on Cantata Editions.