Passion Cantatas (2012)

Along with Corelli and Scarlatti, Bernardo Pasquini (16371710) played a major part in the musical life of Rome, and was famous for his skill as both a harpsichordist and organist. The two Passion cantatas featured on this new CD, Hor chil Ciel fra densi horrori and Padre, Signore e Dio, were composed for Holy Week at the Borghese Chapel, and comprise miniature oratorios. Although the chapel was relatively small, the instrumental forces used at the time for large-scale oratorios could reach 150 players. Here, the forces are much more modest, but the richness of Pasquinis scoring and the textures he created make for a lush and sumptuous sound. The music is sensual, dramatic and extremely beautiful: Pasquini was a composer of great skill, and his depictions of thunder and lightening as well as stormy seas are truly impressive. (bron: Brilliant Classics)