Renata Dubinskaite Gives Luminuous Performances of Barbara Strozzi

Renata Dubinskaite and the Canto Fiorito perform Barbara Strozzi's solo vocal music. Strozzi was well-respected as a singer and composer in 17th Century Venice. Her father, Guilio Strozzi hosted salons of intellectuals and artists in his home.

Barbara Strozzi performed at these salons, often singing her own compositions. Many of these works saw publication. Strozzi's credited as the most-published composer of secular music in the 17th Century. 

This release presents a selection of her solo vocal music. The program draws from six of her eight published collections. These works were presumably composed by Strozzi for her own performances. And as such, they provide a hint of what she may have sounded like.

Strozzi's vocal lines are beautifully crafted. Ornamentation is used sparingly (for the period). What's most important is the contour of the line, and how it illustrates the text.

Renata Dubinskaite delivers some wonderful performances. She sings with a clean, clear tone that is simply beautiful. The Canto Fiorito provides able -- if muted -- support. 

That's as it should be. When Strozzi sang she accompanied herself on the lute or theorbo. So those gathered intellectuals would have heard one voice and one instrument. 

Expanding that accompaniment to two or three remains true to the music's intimacy. This was quiet music, designed for introspection and contemplation. And in this recording, it's also luminous. 

The number of Barbara Strozzi recordings is on the rise. I'd place this near the top of the list. Dubinskaite and the Canto Fiorito perform the music well. And they capture the personality of Barbara Strozzi -- both the composer and original performer of these works.  

Barbara Strozzi: La Voce Sola
Renata Dubinskaite, mezzo-soprano
Canto Fiorito
Brilliant Classics