Domènech Terradellas, born in Barcelona in 1713, finished his studies in Naples, with Durante amongst others, and became one of the most popular composers of his time. His operas rivalled those of Handel, Hasse and Jommelli and were to be seen on the major stages of Rome, Naples, Florence,Venice but also London, and his name was revered as a model for good taste by Rousseau and Burney. After his premature death in 1751, the Catalan composer fell into oblivion and it is only recently that first class interpreters have showed an interest in him once again.

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!

Composed 25 years after the celebrated work of the same name by Pergolesi, and for the same forces, the Stabat Mater by Nicola Logroscino (pronounced “Logròscino”) belongs to the long list of compositions born of the Neapolitan school, beginning with the model by Alessandro Scarlatti (1723). Although inspired by its illustrious precedents, this work distinguishes itself in its strong theatrical character, derived from the author’s long experience in opera (especially comic opera), of which he was a leading figure until the mid-eighteenth century.