Recorded in the inspiring setting of the Teatro Scientifico Bibiena in Mantua, Italy, this joyful recording gets off to a flying start with Francesco Maria Veracini's Ouverture in G minor (Suite for orchestra), conducted at rapid speed by oboist Alfredo Bernardini (who’s also the musical director of the excellent musicians that form the Zefiro ensemble).
This attractive programme of Italian and German composers perfectly illustrates the 'grand tour' that well-born individuals took through Italy at the time. This increased international travel saw the young Elector of Saxony and future King of Poland, Frederick Augustus II, arrive in Venice with his court’s finest musicians to perfect their skills with the great musicians of the Serenissima.
The resulting mix of German, French and Italian styles would create a form of baroque music – soon to be known as rococo – which would soon spread throughout Europe. Composers such as Pisendel, Heinichen, and Zelenka maintained their signature sound alongside their Italian contemporaries, Veracini and Vivaldi. One can only admire such quintessentially European music. © François Hudry/Qobuz