Francesca Caccini : La liberazione di Ruggiero dall'isola d'Alcina

Francesca Caccini (1587 - after 1641)
La liberazione di Ruggiero dall'isola d'Alcina
Balletto con prologo a tre scene - Libretto: Ferdinando Saracinelli
First recording of the complete opera including reconstructed instrumental dances

Paul Van Nevel and the Huelgas Ensemble have recorded the first opera ever composed by a woman, an operatic jewel from the early Baroque era. Van Nevel has revised the score, providing accompaniment for each  protagonist with individual colours and reconstructing all instrumental dances. Above all, he has brought to the fore the polyphonic influence of the Renaissance and the dramatic influence of the Seconda pratica on this opera, revealing the transition from Renaissance to Baroque. Richly expressive, with vivid recitatives, melodious arias and lively choral interjections, the opera was first performed by the Huelgas Ensemble in 2016 to an enthusiastic reception: "Such is the spell cast by this music that the listener almost forgets that this was once a gala opera for a state visit" (Süddeutsche Zeitung).