Canzoni Da Sonar Con Ogni Sorte D'istromenti

Description

"El soto dei Frari," the lame man of the Frari: this is the nickname given to the Venetian Giovanni Picchi, who may have been a student of Giovanni Croce, in a denunciation from 1610 accusing him of having taught music to the nuns of the Holy Spirit without authorization. In 1612, he is found appealing a decision from the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, after a competition for the position of organist won by Giovanni Battista Grillo. He wins the appeal, forcing the powerful institution to organize a new competition. This fiery and original personality can be found in his nineteen Canzoni da Sonar con ogni Sorte d’Istromenti (Venice, 1625), a collection that reveals the brilliant inspiration of this still little-known composer. The carefully specified instrumentation by the author allows for the recreation of a typically Venetian sound, with glorious choirs of trombones and the virtuosic lines of violins, flutes, cornets, and bassoon. With the Canzoni da Sonar presented by the ensemble Concerto Scirocco in this first complete recording, Giovanni Picchi showcases his musical mastery in a bouquet of vivid colors and thrilling affects, carving his way to the firmament of the Venetian school.