Philharmonia Baroque "Pergolesi in Naples" Berkeley
The Philharmonia Baroque has instructed me in how much I love this period's music. The lecturer before the concert says that Baroque is always attempting to provide a happy ending to a piece, so it does not follow history. He also pointed out that music composed in Milan preferred strings as opposed to wind. Venice was known for brass and winds. Pergolesi (1710-1736) died when he was 26; like Mozart, who lived into his 30's, both wrote music which is youthful and full of melody and passion. Pergolesi was educated at the Conservancy in Milan. The first piece played was from " l'Olimpiade , which was about two brothers, mistaken identity, a sports competition, and a love object. The overture hoped to get the audience's attention. Then, Handel (1685-1759) was played, with a duet and and aria from Rodelinda and a duet and aria from Guilio Cesare , sung by Carolyn Sampson, who sings with passion and melodically, and David Dan...