Retreat from Love! A substantial cantata for soprano and strings from a MS in the Naples Conservatorio. The copyist’s work has been corrected and amended by Porpora himself and there is a wealth of articulation, figures and text adjustments to work from. A two-part sinfonia is followed by a secco recit, aria with strings, accompagnato recit and a final pastorale-style aria with strings.

Editor: James Sanderson

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from an autograph manuscript in the British Library. Written in April 1720 (around the time of Porpora’s first Roman successes) this is a very elegant piece in aria – recit – aria format dealing with poor old Fileno and his love for Nice.

Editor: James Sanderson

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Cantata Op. 1, no. 9

An extremely operatic cantata, ‘Destatevi’ has an obbligato part which alternates between written ritornelli, accompagnato recits, the simple designation accompagnato and arpeggiato bass indications. It could be played on a single line instrument such as flute/violin or on the keyboard.
Subject: the power of Love over shepherds and hunters.

Editor: James Sanderson

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From BL Add 14222

Prelude – recit – aria – recit – aria structure with great contrast in mood and style.
Written in the period 1712 – 1715

Editor: James Sanderson

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Written in July of 1712 this edition uses the autograph source in the British Library. Scored for two violins, soprano and continuo and dealing with the vagaries of love this is definitely an early work, very similar in style to parts of Flavio Anicio Olibrio and reflecting an older style of cantata. It starts with a three part sinfonia, followed by two recitative and aria pairs (the last a particularly beautiful Siciliano).

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Credimi pur che t’amo appeared first on Cantata Editions.

A stunning, large work with some really impressive vocal writing, both in the recitatives and the 2 arias. Opening with a Sinfonia in two parts, Vulcan bemoans Venus and her inconstancy. Not, perhaps, an ideal wife for him after all! The first aria, Largo is expressive and virtuosic and the final aria is appropriately fiery.

Editor: James Sanderson

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The second six of the cantatas dedicated to the Prince of Wales in 1735

All to texts by Metastasio, they are virtuosic, filled with beautifully written recitatives and arias, perhaps the high-point of Porpora’s work in this genre.

Veggo la Selva e il monte

Or che una nube ingrata

Destatevi, destatevi ò pastori

Oh se fosse il mio core

Oh Dio che non è vero

Dal povero mio cor

See the individual titles for previews.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Cantatas Op. 1 (pt. 2 – alto) appeared first on Cantata Editions.

A collection of three settings of the ‘Sotto l’ombre d’un faggio’ text, by Mancini, Leo and Porpora. 2 continuo cantatas and one with violins. See the individual cantatas for previews etc.

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From a very clear contemporary copy in the British Library

A substantial cantata with a text concerning our old friends Tirsi and Clori.

Range c# – f’ and would suit a low soprano or highish alto. Excellent largo to start and a dramatic accompagnato recit. The feel is similar to the Venetian motets.

Editor: James Sanderson

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A substantial cantata with a 2-part Sinfonia, then RARA, including a particularly beautiful Affettuoso aria on the theme of separation from the beloved and a virtuosic final aria railing against the sea.

Range: d – a’

Editor: James Sanderson

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