Following our collection of German baroque virtuosic recorder concertos two years ago, Michael Schneider now turns to baroque Italy. Schneider shows just what wonderful recorder discoveries can be made in Italy in addition to Vivaldi's works, which he has also presented on cpo.

An outstanding Italian musican, Stefano Demicheli has been René Jacobs' closest assistant for many years and with him has performed on Europe's main opera stages. A distinguished harpsichordist, who studied with Ottavio Dantone, he is now the leader of the Dolce & Tempesta ensemble, consisting of the best soloists from the European period instrument ensembles.This new recording on Fuga Libera gives us the world première of the three Notturni composed c.1740 by Porpora, Handel's strongest rival in London, for the All Souls Day in Naples. Carried by one of the most powerfully expressive texts in the Christian canon, this is an opportunity to hear two stunning soloists: Monica Piccinini and Romina Basso and also the Stagione Armonica of Padova.

After having enchanted us with Porpora's Notturni, the Dolce & Tempesta Ensemble now reveals new hidden treasures of the Neapolitan School. A rival of Domenico de Matteis, the irascible violinist Nicola Fiorenza (ca. 1700 - 1764) used to strike his pupils with his sword at the conservatory Santa Maria di Loreto in Naples while writing delightful works, full of inventiveness, charm and fancy. His concerti grossi are played with the brilliance and tastefulness which characterise the extraordinary Italian virtuoso ensemble founded by harpsichordist Stefano Demicheli. A programme never before recorded and the discovery of a forgotten and most endearing character!