CARLO STURLA (?-17??): Passio di Venerdì Santo.

Description: Sturla, about whom we know almost nothing, displays in this Passion, probably composed for Holy Week, a thorough appreciation of contemporary Genovese opera, with recitatives reserved for the dramatic content as was the fashion at the time. The arias do not depict the drama and action, but relay emotions and feelings. His vocal writing requires agility, and the mocking chorus depicting the crowd reveals a theatrical yearning. The style is simple and the musical writing is linear, but the overall effect is one of delicate lyricism, graceful but never excessive virtuosity. Luisa Dalfino (soprano), Marina Frandi (contralto), Emanuela Esposito (cantus firmus), Il Concento Ecclesiastico; Luca Franco Ferreri.