Genre

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Opera

 

Cappella Musicale di S. Petronio is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Bologna, Italy. The ensemble is known for its exceptional performances of sacred music, particularly the works of Baroque composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. The ensemble has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, and its members have included some of the most talented musicians in Italy. The founding of Cappella Musicale di S. Petronio can be traced back to the early 1400s, when the Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna was undergoing a major renovation. The church's new organist, Giovanni da Modena, recognized the need for a professional choir to perform the music for the church's services. He assembled a group of singers and instrumentalists, and the ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional performances. Over the centuries, the ensemble underwent many changes, with different directors and members coming and going. However, it remained a vital part of the musical life of Bologna, and its reputation continued to grow. In the 18th century, the ensemble became known for its performances of the music of Antonio Vivaldi, who was a frequent visitor to Bologna. The ensemble's performances of Vivaldi's music were so highly regarded that the composer himself wrote several pieces specifically for the ensemble. In the 19th century, the ensemble underwent a major transformation under the direction of Luigi Mancinelli. Mancinelli was a composer and conductor who had studied in Paris and had a deep knowledge of the latest trends in music. He reorganized the ensemble, bringing in new members and expanding its repertoire to include not only sacred music but also secular works. Under his leadership, the ensemble became one of the most respected in Italy, and its performances were eagerly anticipated by audiences throughout the country. In the 20th century, the ensemble continued to thrive, with a series of talented directors and members keeping its traditions alive. One of the most notable directors was Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini, who led the ensemble from 1956 to 1967. Tagliavini was a renowned organist and musicologist who had a deep knowledge of the music of the Baroque era. Under his leadership, the ensemble continued to perform the works of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, as well as other composers of the period. Today, Cappella Musicale di S. Petronio is led by conductor Sergio Vartolo, who has been with the ensemble since 1992. Vartolo is a respected musicologist and conductor who has recorded numerous albums of Baroque music. Under his leadership, the ensemble has continued to perform the works of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, as well as other composers of the period. The ensemble has also expanded its repertoire to include works from the Renaissance and early Classical periods. One of the highlights of the ensemble's recent performances was its 2013 concert at the Salzburg Festival. The ensemble performed a program of music by Bach and Handel, including Bach's Mass in B Minor and Handel's Dixit Dominus. The performance was highly praised by critics, who noted the ensemble's exceptional musicianship and the beauty of its sound. Cappella Musicale di S. Petronio has also received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2010, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Premio Abbiati, which is given annually by the Italian music critics' association to the best musical ensemble in Italy.

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