Cesti: Cantatas & Arias – Romabarocca Ensemble

Antonio Cesti (1623-1669) was an Italian composer and singer of the Baroque era, known for his secular vocal music, particularly opera and cantatas. Born in Arezzo, he initially trained as a Franciscan friar but later pursued a career in music, gaining fame across Italy and Austria. He was a key figure in the development of Venetian opera, helping to shape its grandeur and emotional depth. His most famous opera, Il Pomo d’Oro (1667), was a lavish spectacle composed for the wedding celebrations of Emperor Leopold I. Cesti’s vocal writing emphasized clarity and ornamentation, making his music particu- larly appealing to audiences of the time. His secular cantatas exhibit the same lyrical qualities, often featuring expressive recitatives and ariosos that enhance the text’s dramatic impact. This new recording features Cantatas, Arias and Serenatas by Cesti, as well as vocal music by Giuseppe Colombi and Giovanni Lulier. Performed by Romabarocca Ensemble, featuring 3 vocal soloists, bass violin and harpsichord.