Quintus presents a program featuring the soprano and the natural trumpet in ironical and tragic settings. During the course of the program several dramas unfold as the inner feelings and intentions of the main characters are explored. The dramatic elements reveal themselves in a variety of ways: a downright criminal cover-up story (Sances), a heartbreaking introspection in complete solitude (Strozzi), the eerie foreboding of things yet to come (Merula), an almost martyr-like denouncement of earthly pleasures (Caldara), and a straightforward battle between the forces of love (Scarlatti, Melani). This program shows the progression of the popular genres of the secular Italian Baroque, while also touching the sacred. In the first half Quintus explores early compositional forms, such as the ground bass and fantasia as well as the very early instrumental sonata. In contrast, the second half employs later forms, such as the sonata da chiesa, or the da capo aria. Also, whereas in the first part the trumpet and soprano are shown in an individual light, later in the second part they will be combined bringing forth a unique colour as well as virtuosity. Girolamo Fantini (1600-1675) Trumpet, continuoGiovanni Felice Sances (1600-1679) Soprano, continuoJohann Hieronymus Kapsberger (1580-1651) TheorboTarquinio Merula (1594/5-1665) Soprano, theorboGirolamo Fantini Trumpet, continuoBarbara Strozzi (1619-1677) Soprano, continuoAlessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725) Trumpet, soprano, continuoAntonio Caldara (1670-1736) Soprano, cello, continuoDomenico Gabrielli (1659-1690) Alessandro Melani (1639-1703) Trumpet, soprano, continuo |