Festa Napoletana – Cappella De’ Turchini/ Antonio Florio, director – Naïve 30503, 61:21 [Distr. by Harmonia mundi] ***:
This is a midprice re-release of a 2001 recording that first appeared on the Opus 111 label, now absorbed by Naïve. Its premise is to present music of varying persuasions that contributed to the festal nature of the city of Naples, whether purely secular, religious, or in-between according to the many reasons that this particular people found to celebrate. The city sported almost half a million people even in the 7th century, and the gentle climate accentuated by its beautiful vistas and distinctly year-round outdoor involvement meant that it was not only a tourist stop but also a community based on the idea of ceremonial overkill. Even, of all people, the Marquis de Sade expressed his disgust at the bestial customs which were prevalent at the time, even though the religious festivals could keep one busy almost daily. Truly an extraordinary place, met with much success by the quality and variety of music found there.
We are given songs and orchestral pieces of great disparity though none are less than interesting, but I fear this can only serve as a sampler for this type of music, When I came across a piece that I really liked I was disappointed that the next track was something entirely different. Perhaps a two-disc set would have been more appropriate. As is, despite the good uniformity of the performances and sound, I doubt this will be seeing much playing time. For those who take a liking to surveys, it might serve you well.
TrackList:
1. Chi non mi conosce
2. Ove n’andrò dolente
3. Pastorale a 7
4. La Matremmonio
5. La Tarantella a 5
6. Cecchimma fauza
7. Ciacona for orchestra
8. Oh che fiamma
9. Giove piacevole nella reggia di Partenope
10. La Rosella
11. Tarentella de Zi’ Catone
12. Tarentella del Gargano
— Steven Ritter
