Handel / Varriale / Criscuolo Italian Cantatas CD

The disc brings together two different versions of Handel's two lesser-known cantatas, and includes the first ever recording of the two versions of Mira Lilla gentile. Largely neglected until now, these latter works tell the story of a young man's unrequited love for Lilla, and while the earlier version contains a soprano solo alternating with a violin, the later version sees this instrument replaced by a cello. The second pair of cantatas comprises the anonymous La caduta di Icaro and Handel's Tra le fiamme HWV170 - both of which use the same libretto by Cardinal Benedetto Pamphili. Here the CD switches from heartbreak to counsel against pride; with the text declaiming the legend of Icarus and Daedalus, Tra le fiamme is particularly striking for it's rich assortment of instruments. The World Premiere of Handel's Cantata "Mira Lilla gentile", recorded 2010-2012, Rome. World premiere recording of Mira Lilla gentile. Soprano Valentina Varriale is an upcoming star in the Early Music scene, she sings in opera productions of Jordi Savall and Ottavio Dantone, and has recently performed in the Festivals of Salzburg, Edinburgh and Dresden.

1. Mira Lilla Gentile 2. Non Dar Pi? Pena O Cara 3. Ferma Deh Ferma O Bella 4. Consolati Mio Core 5. Sogno O Son Desto 6. Bench? Infida Tu Mi Fuggi 7. Sinfonia - Mvsica Perdvta 8. Tra Le Fiamme Tu Scherzi Per Gioco 9. Dedalo Gi? Le Fortunate Penne 10. Pien Di Nuovo E Bel Diletto 11. Si S?, Purtroppo ? Vero 12. Impenni L'ali Chi Pu? Volare 13. L'uomo Che Nacque Per Salire Al Cielo 14. Tra Le Fiamme Tu Scherzi Per Gioco (Reprise) 15. Mira Lilla Gentile 16. Non Dar Pi? Pena O Cara 17. Ferma Deh Ferma O Bella 18. Consolati Mio Core 19. Sogno O Son Desto 20. Bench? Infida Tu Mi Fuggi 21. Tra Le Fiamme Tu Scherzi Per Gioco 22. Dedalo Gi? Le Fortunate Penne 23. Pien Di Nuovo E Bel Diletto 24. Si S?, Purtroppo ? Vero 25. Voli Nell'aria Chi Pu? Volare 26. L'uomo Che Nacque Per Salire Al Cielo 27. Tra Le Fiamme Tu Scherzi Per Gioco (Reprise)