Today’s theme: three exceptional but almost completely forgotten female composers. Despite societal limits in their time, the 17th century, they left us a lasting artistic legacy.
We will listen to compositions from three Italian female composers, known and appreciated inside of the cloister walls as well as outside:
Chiara Margarita Cozzolani (1602-1677), Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) and Antonia Padoani Bembo (ca.1640-ca.1720).
Chiara Margarita Cozzolani (1602-1677)
1. Dixit Dominus
Performing: Lee Santana, theorbeo. Juliane Laake, violin. Mira Lange, organ. Vocal ensemble The Present
(CD: Col-Legno Nr. 20458)
Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704)
2. From triosonates Op. 16 (1683): Sonata Quarta
Performing: Katarzyna Solecka, 1st violin. Ensemble Giardino di Delizie
(CD: Brilliant Classics Nr. 96421)
Antonia Padoani Bembo (ca.1640-ca.1720)
3. Psalm 142 ‘Domine exaudi orationem meam’
Performing: La Donna Musicale conducted by Laury Gutiérrez, viola da gamba
(CD label: La Donna Musicale Nr. 2004)
Chiara Margarita Cozzolani
4. From ‘Salmi a Otto Voci Concertati’: Psalm 111 Beatus vir
Performing: Magnificat Baroque Ensemble conducted by Warren Stewart
(CD: MusicaOmnia Nr. MO 0401)
Isabella Leonarda
5. From Sacri concerti, Opus 3, no 5: ‘O quam dulcis amator’
Performing: Julie Comparini, alto. Wiebke Corssen & Julia Krikkay, violin 1&2. Jenny Westman, viola da gamba. Susanne Peuker, theorbo. Klaus Westerman, organ
(CD: Arcantus Nr. ARC 23048)
In addition:
Francesca Caccini (1587-ca. 1641)
6. From ‘La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola di Alcina’: Ballo
Performing: ensembles Allabastrina & La Pifarescha conducted by Elena Sartori
(CD: Glossa Nr. GCD 923902)
Image: Isabella Leonarda (source: Wikipedia)
