"I doubt
anyone who had never heard Favella Lyrica could imagine what they do,
or how well they do it: We've never heard anything quite like the duet
singing of Pamela Murray and Pamela Dellal."
This recording features music of Barbara Strozzi, the brilliant singer
and composer of mid-17th century Venice. Included are three never-before
recorded duets of Strozzi, and the first recordings of Fontei's duets
and solos written for Strozzi to perform.
"The two singers are firmly locked into the dramatic essence of this
music, sculpting and shading each word with infinite care...the two voices float...
with a heaven bound lightness that is unforgettable." Fanfare Magazine
Featuring passionate, virtuosic duets by Monteverdi, D'India, Luzzaschi, and
Pesenti, complemented by spiritual but equally vivid duets by Heinrich
Schütz.
"...altogether captivating album...
the combination of the performers' fiery enthusiasm and the composer's
passionate settings...is irresistible." The Denver Post
Handel's little-known but magnificent chamber duets, written
over his entire career, were a fruitful source of musical ideas that he
mined for his more public works. Demanding the highest level of skill
and imagination from performers, this music is a delightful discovery
on its own and also for the surprising familiarity of themes later used
in such staples as Messiah, Alexander's Feast, Solomon, and others.
"Among the recordings of [these pieces]...this is the best...the
simple competence and unaffected joyousness of the performances are most
refreshing." Fanfare Magazine
