Corradini: Canzonas & Sonatas

Ensemble Il Narvalo, Federico Del Sordo

- Nicolò Corradini was born in the late 16th century, and died in 1646. He spent most of his life in Cremona, the city where he was most likely born. Corradini received his early musical education from fellow Cremonese citizen Giovanni Battista Morsellino. In 1611 he was appointed organist of the Church of San Pietro in Cremona, and that same year he was also asked to accompany the Litanies of the Virgin, which were traditionally performed at Cremona Cathedral every Saturday and on all feast days dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In 1635 he took up the role of organist at the cathedral. Corradini’s works include a book of Madrigali a 5 et a 8 voci con Sinfonie di Viole (published in Venice in 1620).

- This new recording presents the Canzonas. In keeping with a custom that was widespread in the first half of the 16th century, most of the titles of these compositions refer to the surnames of families or illustrious personalities linked to Cremonese patronage. These rich instrumental works are played here using a lavish instrumental ensemble, including 2 violins, viola, recorder, cornet, gamba, theorbo, violone, organ, harpsichord and dulciana.

- Another enterprising recording by Federico Del Sordo, keyboard player and musicologist, never tired of discovering hidden gems from the Renaissance and Baroque of his native country Italy.

Niccolo Corradini (1585-1646)