Laura Catrani Enchants with Barbara Strozzi's Revolutionary Venetian Music
In a captivating new recording, soprano Laura Catrani brings to life the extraordinary works of Barbara Strozzi, a true revolutionary of 17th-century Venetian music. The album Virtuosissima Sirena presents a sumptuous and elegant account of Strozzi's vocal compositions, performed with remarkable warmth, clarity, and persuasive expressive freedom.
The Remarkable Legacy of Barbara Strozzi
Barbara Strozzi emerged as a formidable figure within the vibrant intellectual circles of Venice during the Baroque period. As the adopted daughter—and quite possibly the natural child—of poet and librettist Giulio Strozzi, she was immersed in artistic debates from the remarkably young age of fifteen. Her prolific output of 120 published works for solo voice remains unparalleled among her contemporaries, a testament to her exceptional talent and determination.
Despite never marrying, Strozzi managed to support four children solely through her musical earnings, an extraordinary achievement for a woman of her era. The quality and innovation of her compositions have led many scholars to compare her artistic significance to that of Claudio Monteverdi, highlighting her enduring impact on classical music.
A Rich Musical Tapestry on Virtuosissima Sirena
The album Virtuosissima Sirena features a carefully curated selection of Strozzi's cantatas and arias, interspersed with effervescent trio sonatas by Giovanni Legrenzi and Dario Castello. This programming creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that showcases the breadth of Venetian Baroque repertoire.
Accademia dell'Annunciata provides exquisite instrumental accompaniment with their lineup of two violins, cello, theorbo, double harp, and harpsichord. This ensemble lends the music a shimmering sweetness that, while perhaps more sumptuous than Strozzi might have originally envisioned, proves utterly enchanting throughout the recording.
Catrani's Expressive Interpretation
Laura Catrani's unfussy soprano voice proves perfectly suited to Strozzi's emotionally rich compositions. Her performance is particularly emotive in L'Amante Segreto (The Secret Lover), where she navigates the bittersweet lament over a drooping ground bass with sensitivity and nuance. In contrast, she brings lively energy to Costume de Grande (Customs of the Great), Strozzi's setting of one of her father's poetic critiques of high society.
The musical language throughout these works is filled with madrigalian effects that Catrani interprets with precision—dissonant intervals expressing pain, measured rests conveying sighs and tears. Under Riccardo Doni's thoughtful direction, this music is allowed to breathe naturally, enabling its emotional messages to speak directly to contemporary listeners.
A Timeless Recording of Historical Significance
This recording represents more than just another classical album—it serves as a vital reintroduction to one of music history's most overlooked innovators. Through Catrani's masterful interpretation and the Accademia dell'Annunciata's sensitive accompaniment, Strozzi's revolutionary spirit shines through with renewed vitality.
Virtuosissima Sirena stands as both a scholarly achievement and an accessible listening experience, bridging the gap between historical authenticity and modern musical enjoyment. For enthusiasts of Baroque music and newcomers alike, this album offers a compelling window into the creative world of a composer who defied convention and created enduring art against considerable odds.
