This CD is entirely devoted to the music ofthe early Baroque Italian composer, poetand organist, Carlo Milanuzzi. During hislifetime, Milanuzzi’s fame spread far andwide; today, however, he is shrouded inobscurity. The artists hope that thisrecording – the first dedicated to his music –will contribute to the rediscovery of one ofthe most significant Italian musicians of the17th century.Indeed, it seems that Milanuzzi enjoyed averitable ‘pop star’ status back in his day. Inaddition to masses, motets and psalms, healso wrote nearly 200 songs (broughttogether in nine books entitled Le ArioseVaghezze which were published between1622 and 1643), works which reveal him tobe one of the most progressive monodists ofhis generation, clearly intent on reaching aswide an audience as possible. The arias to befound in the nine volumes, 13 of whichfeature on this recording, are mostly short,tuneful pieces in the style that was rapidlygaining popularity in northern Italy in the1620s. They are complemented byinstrumental dances written in guitar‘alfabeto’ notation, ‘expanded’ on thisrecording by way of a larger ensemble.Performing the arias is Baroque specialistand mezzo?soprano Lucia Sciannimanico,who has appeared in festivals across Europeand worked with renowned conductors suchas Nicholas Cleobury and Alessandro DeMarchi. She is joined on the recording by theCappella di Santa Maria degli Angiolini,directed by esteemed lutenist and BrilliantClassics regular Gian Luca Lastraoili.

Lucia Sciannimanico mezzo?soprano

Capella di Santa Maria degli Angiolini

Gian Luca Lastraioli conductor