Picchi: Pass'e mezzo

Since its founding in 1994, the ensemble Anthonello has gained a worldwide reputation for the excellence of its playing and for its interpretative flair.

The extraordinary variety of the programme offered by Anthonello on this recording represents one of the essential aspects of the music at the beginning of the Baroque period. Emphasis has often been given to the bizarre or extravagant character of the Baroque style in general but in fact, one of the fundamental reasons for this new music was: to move the audience. Amori & Sospiri – previously available on the Symphonia label in 2002 – was awarded Five Stars by Diapason.

This new Timothy Roberts recording features works from what was, for centuries, Italy's leading centre of keyboard music : Venice. Thanks to Venice's flourishing publishing trade, Mr. Roberts was able to nourish both his passion for research and the pleasure of playing this magnificent, luscious and yet subtle repertoire. The recording includes works by Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Merulo, Adriano Banchieri, Giovanni Picchi, Bernardo Storace, Benedetto Marcello and Baldassare Galuppi. It was recorded at the Glynde Parish Church, England Sussex, in October 2003 on two harpsichords by Malcolm Rose, 2003, after Alessandro Trasuntino 1531 (Royal College of Music Museum, London).