
To enjoy the privilege of staying at the French Academy in Rome (Villa Medici), composers were secluded in a room and subjected to the terrible test of writing a cantata on an imposed text. The theme was generally drawn from ancient mythology or medieval legends and featured three characters. Although the texts sometimes seem conventional and stereotypical, the candidates’ art lay in their ability to highlight the different scenes and demonstrate their skills while asserting a singular personality. In short: one had to prove one had the mettle of a true opera composer.
Dates
Performers
Axelle Fanyo soprano
Marie Gautrot mezzo-soprano
Sahy Ratia tenor
Mary Olivon piano
Marie Gautrot mezzo-soprano
Sahy Ratia tenor
Mary Olivon piano
Programme
Excerpts from cantatas by HILLEMACHER, HÜE, LAPARRA, SERPETTE, DEBUSSY, GALLOIS, WORMSER, ROUSSEAU, D'OLLONE
Bru Zane
Classical Radio

ON AIR
George Onslow
Quintetto per strumenti a fiato pt.8