Barbara Strozzi (1619-1664)
6 Cantatas
Judith Nelson (s)
William Christie
Christopher Coin
harmonia mundi HMX2901114
46'01
(flac and scans)
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The present program, drawn from five of her opus numbers, clearly places her in the midst of contemporaries like Carissimi, Cesti, and Luigi Rossi. Judith Nelson, who has sung cantatas by the last two for this label, returns after a year and a half hiatus to prove that Strozzi has been neglected undeservedly. Coming at this late date, it's good to have such a broad representation of her cantatas sung so well. The regular accompanists are up to their usual level of distinction.
Sound and pressing are tops, as always, and Ellen Rosand contributes a perceptive appreciation of the composer along with texts and translations. Not just a woman composer, Strozzi will interest anyone who cares about Italian Baroque secular music. -Fanfare