Virtuosissima Sirena: A Sensual Journey Through Baroque Opera with Laura Catrani
The Virtuosissima Sirena album, featuring the works of 17th-century Venetian composer Barbara Strozzi, is a sumptuous and enchanting release that showcases the talents of soprano Laura Catrani. Accompanied by the Accademia dell'Annunciata's lush instrumentation - comprising two violins, cello, theorbo, double harp, and harpsichord - Catrani's expressive voice weaves a narrative of love, longing, and societal critique that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.
Strozzi, who defied convention by supporting four children on her own with the sole income from her music, was an iconoclastic figure in her time. Her output of 120 published works for solo voice is unparalleled among her contemporaries, a testament to her innovative spirit and technical mastery. The musical language of Virtuosissima Sirena, replete with madrigalian effects such as dissonant intervals and measured rests, provides the perfect canvas for Catrani's emotive delivery.
The album's centerpiece, Strozzi's cantata "L'Amante Segreto" (The Secret Lover), is a heart-wrenching lament that highlights Catrani's ability to convey pain and vulnerability. In contrast, her performance of "Costume de Grande" (Customs of the Great) showcases her capacity for lyricism and vivacity, imbuing Strozzi's witty poetic lines with a playful spirit.
Under Riccardo Doni's deft direction, Virtuosissima Sirena breathes new life into Strozzi's music, allowing its intricate textures to unfold like a rich tapestry. As the ensemble navigates the album's varied moods and tempos, Catrani's voice takes center stage, imbuing each work with her own unique emotional depth.
Ultimately, Virtuosissima Sirena is an enchanting testament to the enduring power of Strozzi's music and the artistry of Laura Catrani. This beautifully realized album will undoubtedly captivate fans of early opera and classical music, inviting them to revel in its sensual beauty and intellectual sophistication.
The Virtuosissima Sirena album, featuring the works of 17th-century Venetian composer Barbara Strozzi, is a sumptuous and enchanting release that showcases the talents of soprano Laura Catrani. Accompanied by the Accademia dell'Annunciata's lush instrumentation - comprising two violins, cello, theorbo, double harp, and harpsichord - Catrani's expressive voice weaves a narrative of love, longing, and societal critique that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.
Strozzi, who defied convention by supporting four children on her own with the sole income from her music, was an iconoclastic figure in her time. Her output of 120 published works for solo voice is unparalleled among her contemporaries, a testament to her innovative spirit and technical mastery. The musical language of Virtuosissima Sirena, replete with madrigalian effects such as dissonant intervals and measured rests, provides the perfect canvas for Catrani's emotive delivery.
The album's centerpiece, Strozzi's cantata "L'Amante Segreto" (The Secret Lover), is a heart-wrenching lament that highlights Catrani's ability to convey pain and vulnerability. In contrast, her performance of "Costume de Grande" (Customs of the Great) showcases her capacity for lyricism and vivacity, imbuing Strozzi's witty poetic lines with a playful spirit.
Under Riccardo Doni's deft direction, Virtuosissima Sirena breathes new life into Strozzi's music, allowing its intricate textures to unfold like a rich tapestry. As the ensemble navigates the album's varied moods and tempos, Catrani's voice takes center stage, imbuing each work with her own unique emotional depth.
Ultimately, Virtuosissima Sirena is an enchanting testament to the enduring power of Strozzi's music and the artistry of Laura Catrani. This beautifully realized album will undoubtedly captivate fans of early opera and classical music, inviting them to revel in its sensual beauty and intellectual sophistication.
it's like a journey through time where Laura Catrani's voice takes you on an emotional rollercoaster 
she has this incredible range and expression that makes you feel every single emotion alongside her 
woman boss vibes! defying convention and making music on her own, supporting four kids with just her income... I mean, what even is that kind of strength and determination? 
Riccardo Doni did an amazing job directing this project, I love how he brought out the emotional depth in each piece 
just listened to this new album Virtuosissima Sirena and I'm OBSESSED 
her voice is so emotive and expressive, it gives me chills every time 
and the instrumentation is just incredible 
gotta check out more of Barbara Strozzi's works now too 
! I love how it highlights Barbara Strozzi's groundbreaking spirit & innovative style - a total icon for female artists back then 
. And Laura Catrani's voice is insane 
, she has this emotional depth that just draws you in. The way the ensemble brings out the textures of the music is pure magic 
. I'm definitely going to be listening to this on repeat 
... it's like a time capsule of beauty & emotion 
.
the stats on her published works are insane too - 120+ works for solo voice?! that's like a whole album a week 
I'm obsessed with Laura Catrani's vocals btw, she's got some serious vocal chops 
The way she navigates between pain and vulnerability is so raw and real 
it's so lively and fun! And the instrumentation? Wow, I'm loving the lush soundscapes and madrigalian effects 
. I mean, who can afford a recording that's basically just a bunch of old songs? And don't even get me started on the 'artistic' label they've slapped on Laura Catrani... sounds like just more marketing fluff to me 
. And what's up with the 'defying convention' nonsense about Barbara Strozzi? Yeah, sure, she was a trailblazer, but so were millions of other women who got screwed over by society back then 
i mean laura catrani's voice is insane she can convey so much emotion through her singing it's like she's taking you on this journey of love and heartbreak and societal commentary all at once 
but overall virtuosissima sirena is like a breath of fresh air for anyone who loves classical music or just good old fashioned storytelling
Laura Catrani's voice is literally magical 
as Catrani sings each song, i imagine these intricate textures unfolding like... 
. And I love how the Accademia dell'Annunciata's instrumentation is like a rich tapestry, it's like you're transported to another world 
. And then there's "Costume de Grande", which is just so playful and fun - it's like a breath of fresh air! 
Overall, Virtuosissima Sirena is giving me all the jazz hands