Alan Curtis - Alessandro Stradella: La Susanna (2000)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 461 Gb | Total time: 51:52+44:38 | Scans included
Classical | Label: EMI Classics | # 8 26539 2 | Recorded: 1978
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 461 Gb | Total time: 51:52+44:38 | Scans included
Classical | Label: EMI Classics | # 8 26539 2 | Recorded: 1978
La Susanna, a late oratorio composed in Genoa in 1681, the year before the composer’s death. La Susanna belongs to a popular 17th-century sub-genre termed oratorio erotico because it employed biblical stories concerned with love or the sensual aspect of women. It is typical of the kind of plot that might be used to attract an audience drawn to the prayer halls to be given Bible “instruction” in easily accessible form. The concept was a mark of counter-Reformation propaganda and stories such as those of Judith or Susanna were popular not only in music, but also literature and painting. Indeed, the cover of the present set is illustrated by a fine painting by Artemisia Gentileschi depicting the beautiful naked Susanna recoiling from the gaze of the two leering elders.