The programme brings together the music of Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741) and Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725)—two giants of the Italian Baroque whose paths never crossed directly, but whose musical legacies offer a fascinating study in contrast and complement. Both were prolific, inventive, and deeply influential, yet they approached composition from different angles: Scarlatti was primarily a composer of vocal music, operating at the heart of the Neapolitan operatic tradition, while Vivaldi, though also an opera composer, is best known for revolutionising instrumental music, particularly the concerto.
Performed by the Valletta Baroque Ensemble.
Valletta Baroque Ensemble (ViBE)
Violin 1
Sarah Spiteri
Tatjana Chircop
Violin 2
Marcelline Agius
Sonia Mallia
Viola
Matthew Fenech
Joseph Mallia
Cello
Simon Abdilla Joslin
Ruth Verona
Double Bass
Marco Agnetti
Harpsichord
Tom Armitage
Lute
Pablo Zapico
Recorder
John McDonough
Clara Galea
Programme
A Vivaldi | Concerto for strings in D major RV 121
Allegro – Adagio – Allegro |
A Scarlatti | Sonata for 2 recorders, 2 violins and continuo in A major
Grave – Allegro – Minuet |
A Vivaldi | Concerto for strings in G major RV151 – ‘Sinfonia all Rustica’
Presto – Adagio – Allegro |
A Scarlatti | Sinfonia avanti la Serenata ‘Clori, Dorino e Amore’
Largo – Allegro – Minuet – Grave |
A Vivaldi | Viola d’amore and Lute concerto RV 540
Allegro – Largo – Allegro Sarah Spiteri – viola d’amore Pablo Zapico – lute |