Xavier Sabata, Latinitas Nostra & Markellos Chryssikos - I Dilettanti (2014) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Music is the very soul of Venice. ‘In every square, street, and canal, singing is to be heard,’ wrote Goldoni. Musical dilettantes were non-professionals who played for their own pleasure and enjoyment, to entertain themselves.

This programme is devoted to a number of composers who, without being professionals, left their own very personal mark on the history of music.

After ‘Bad Guys’, his first album for Aparté (2013), Xavier Sabata presents ‘I Dilettanti’, accompanied by the lively ensemble Latinitas Nostras. This recording, made in the singer’s native Spain, bears witness to the sincere friendship between these artists, brought together by a passion for music, and to their dilettante spirit.

„Then there’s Sabata’s singing, intelligent yet risky, and frequently deploying baritonal chest tones as well as his immaculate alto. There’s exceptional playing from Latinitas Nostra under Markellos Chryssikos, too. Outstanding.“ (The Guardian)

“A genuinely interesting concept … performed by Xavier Sabata and the continuo trio of Latinitas Nostra with complete emotional commitment and dramatic directness” (David Vickers, Gramophone)

“The main attraction of this disc is the repertoire, and especially the cantata by Marcello. There is much to enjoy here” (Johan van Veen, MusicWeb International)

Tracklist:
01. "Non mi si dica più", cantata for alto and continuo: Non mi si dica più (Aria)
02. "Non mi si dica più", cantata for alto and continuo: Speranza, unico e solo (Recitative)
03. "Non mi si dica più", cantata for alto and continuo: Ti sovveniste almeno (Aria Padre)
04. "In queste amene selve", cantata for alto and continuo: In queste amene selve (Recit)
05. "In queste amene selve", cantata for alto and continuo: Da voi lungi, pupille serene (Aria)
06. "In queste amene selve", cantata for alto and continuo: Senza di te, moi bene (Recit)
07. "In queste amene selve", cantata for alto and continuo: Quando a te tornar dovrò (Aria)
08. La Gelosia, Cantata for Soprano and Orchestra: Son reo non mi difendo (Recit)
09. La Gelosia, Cantata for Soprano and Orchestra: Giura il nocchier h'al mare (Aria)
10. Deh m'adita ò bella Dea: Deh m'adita ò bella Dea (Aria from the opera "Armida abbandonata")
11. "Più ch'io cerco del moi bene", cantata for alto and continuo: Più ch'io cerco del moi bene (Aria)
12. "Più ch'io cerco del moi bene", cantata for alto and continuo: Ma, che sordi a miei pianti (Recit)
13. "Più ch'io cerco del moi bene", cantata for alto and continuo: Son come tortorella (Aria)
14. Vinto son della mia fede: Vinto son della mia fede (Aria from the opera "Armida abbandonata")
15. Lucrezia, cantata for alto and continuo

Composers:
Astorga, Emanuele Gioacchino Cesare Rincon baron d' (1680-1750)
Bigaglia, Diogenio (1676-1745)
Maccari, Giacomo (c.1700-44)
Marcello, Benedetto (1686-1739)
Ruggieri, Giovanni Maria (fl.1690-1720)

Personnel:
Xavier Sabata, countertenor
Latinitas Nostra
Markellos Chryssikos, harpsichord, direction