Description

Nicola Porpora was 22 years old in 1708 when his first opera, Agrippina, was presented under the patronage of the Austrian vice-regent. The opera was first performed at the vice regal palace in Naples, and then before the general public at the Teatro di San Bartolomeo. Throughout his life Porpora had the opportunity to offer his services, particularly as a maestro di cappella, to influential aristocrats. With their support he became internationally famous as a composer and singing teacher. Porpora’s great period of operatic composition occurred between 1718 and 1742.

Canadian soprano Karina Gauvun returns with a new recording of arias, most never recorded, from the operas of Nicola Porpora (1686-1768). The prestigious Italian Baroque orchestra Il Complesso Barocco under the direction of Alan Curtis, accompanies Madame Gauvin on this recording, which was produced in Italy.