Music for ‘The Cardinal King’: the only complete available recording of an engaging chamber-collection from 18th-century Rome, written for the head of a renegade English Catholic family in exile.
Several previous Brilliant Classics albums have given notice of the under-appreciated gifts of Carlo Tessarini (1690-1766). Collections of his violin and flute sonatas have revealed a consistently inspired and stylish voice, reliably well-turned melodies and shapely instrumental parts rewarding players and listeners alike. The same qualities illuminate this collection of five Allettamenti da Camera, composed in Rome in 1740 and dedicated to His Royal Highness Henry Duke of York. By that stage in his career, the Rimini-born Tessarini had worked for courts and aristocratic patrons in Venice and Urbino. He had lately moved south to Rome, perhaps in hope of currying favour with the Stuarts, who had lived in the city as celebrated exiles for some years. Surely no dedicatee, whatever their musical expertise, could fail to be delighted by music of such accomplishment and sunny elegance.
Each of the five Allettamenti is cast in a tripartite quick-slow-quick form of sonata movements, and they are crowned by a virtuosic, two-part Capriccio which allots a starring role to the solo violin in a set of increasingly elaborate variations. All the same, Tessarini departed for Naples shortly after their composition, and continued on his travels across Europe, finding receptive audiences in France, England and the Netherland, where he died early in 1767.
This new recording has been made by an ensemble of Italian early-music specialists who have gathered for the purpose under the banner of the Cappella Musicale Enrico Stuart. They are led by the violinist Gabriele Pro, who is joined by Andrea Lattarulo (cello), Michele Carreca (theorbo and guitar) and Simone El Oufir Pierini (harpsichord). Pierini has won glowing opinions for previous Brilliant Classics albums dedicated to the music of Cherubini (96246), de Montgéroult (96247) and Tinazzoli (96865).
- Carlo Tessarini (ca.1690-1767) received his musical tuition in Venice, probably with Vivaldi and Corelli (whose musical heir he clearly is). He became a famous virtuoso on the violin, traveling Europe like a modern day pop star. He died in Amsterdam, leaving a substantial oeuvre mainly written for his own instrument.
-His music is firmly rooted in the baroque tradition, but already pointing towards the “galante style” of the late 18th century, with an emphasis on belcanto melodies and clear and transparent structures.
- The five Allettamenti and the final Capriccio with variations are a gift of beauty that Tessarini gives in homage to the Duke of York as a young up-and-comer of the house and a great lover of music, being himself an amateur cello player. The title Allettamenti intends to specify that the music must delight, entertain and indeed entice both those who listen to them and those who play them. The role of the violin is undoubtedly preponderant, but often in imitation with the bass and the cello. The harmonic and melodic richness makes these compositions true jewels, a sign of refined taste and truly advanced technical knowledge of the instrument.
- Played by Gabriele Pro, one of the leading Italian violinists of the Historically Informed Performance Practice. He is seconded by members of the Cappella Musicale Enrico Stuart.
