Philarmonica

Description

London experiences an artistic golden age at the end of the 1600s, with the arrival of many foreign musicians, the proliferation of theaters and concert halls where the public comes to listen to the stars of the moment. One of these musicians is the Italian Nicola Matteis; he arrives around 1660 and becomes the sensation of the London music scene… Purcell is just a child at this time, and there is no record of their meeting, but it is very likely that Purcell was familiar with Matteis's works, including his Ayres, recorded here for the first time in a version for consort of four voices. This London excitement leads to astonishing discoveries, such as the music of a mysterious composer who publishes trio sonatas around 1715 under the name of Mrs. Philarmonica. The Consort offers the very first recording of this very interesting music, likely influenced by Corelli and probably composed by a female musician who, given the conventions of the time, uses a pseudonym. Her true identity is unfortunately unknown to us.