DARIO CASTELLO / GIOVANNI PICCHI

The Floating City

Sonatas, canzonas and dances by two of Monteverdi’s contemporaries

1 PICCHI Canzon No 19 a 8 [4'07]

2 CASTELLO Sonata No 14 a 4 [6'18]

3 PICCHI Canzon No 15 a 6 [4'18]

4 PICCHI Canzon No 17 a 8 [4'18]

5 PICCHI Toccata [3'47]

6 CASTELLO Sonata No 10 a 3 [4'58]

7 CASTELLO Sonata No 11 a 3 [5'09]

8 CASTELLO Sonata No 5 a 2 [5'51]

9 PICCHI Ballo Ungaro [2'53]

10 PICCHI Padoana ditta la Ongara [3'08]

11 CASTELLO Sonata No 8 a 2 [4'48]

12 CASTELLO Sonata No 17 in ecco [8'17]

13 PICCHI Canzon No 18 a 8 [3'33]

14 PICCHI Canzon No 14 a 6 [4'33]

15 CASTELLO Sonata No 13 a 4 [7'26]

His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts

Dario Castello remains one of the most mysterious of composers: beyond a couple of references to his name on the title pages to his published works there is no record of his life; it has even been suggested—albeit inconclusively—that the name is an anagram. Yet his music offers clear testimony to his creative skills. The 1621 volume, which comprises twelve works, presents the first ever collection devoted entirely to instrumental sonatas; likewise, the seventeen pieces published in 1629 are also exclusively sonatas. Castello takes elements of the traditional multi-voiced Venetian canzona, not least passages of virtuoso solo writing and of concertante exchanges between several players, and successfully introduces them into extended works.

Much more is known of the life of Giovanni Picchi. He was a fine harpsichordist, organist of several Venetian churches and institutions, and a noted performer and composer of dance music. The works on this recording are as innovative and varied as this heritage would suggest.

‘There is some stunningly exuberant virtuosity on display here. A magnificent, exhilarating disc that goes straight into contention for the Want List. Buy a copy and give yourself a rare and special treat’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Dazzling playing’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘An unusual and rewarding disc’ (Classic FM Magazine)

Helios CDH55320