Credits:

Donizetti (1797-1848)

Description:

This is an unknown religious work by Donizetti, known for his many romantic operas. This is music for a series of "Evening Prayers" composed while he was studying music as a pupil of Simon Maile. These scores remain in the libraries of Bergamo, Naples, and Paris, and this recording is the first of its kind in the world. Opening with Psalm 109, the music praising the Virgin Mary is solemn, yet full of softness. The tonality is consciously chosen to balance the bright sounds of C major, F major, and D major, with occasional interludes of minor keys, and the prayer proceeds dramatically. The orchestra is also strongly influenced by Maile, whose creative use of orchestral instruments, especially the clarinet, is remarkable. Hauck, known for his performance of Meir, brings out the best of the work's charms. Naxos Japan