Gioachino Rossini embodied quite well the ideals of the Restoration, at least in the choice of traditional and already tested subjects. Yet, on the other side, his music was completely revolutionary for its novelty: rhythmic energy, robust orchestral texture, dynamic melodies are some of the elements of his new style.
It is known that every Italian region is different from the other. Different location, morphology, history translated into a wide range of traditions, dialect, attitude… wine and cookery!
The Teatro San Carlo, certainly one of the finest and biggest in Europe was opened in 1737. Two years later, in 1739 French politician and writer Charles de Brosses referred to Naples as “the world capital of music”.
Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater is a sublime piece of sacred chamber music. Originally composed for two castrato voices, strings and basso continuo, is arguably one of the most important works in music history, which influence stretches to Mozart, Haydn and beyond. A sublime summary of the religious and aesthetics of its time. It is also a simple man’s expression of religious sense
