Enjoyable, melodic music for the harpsichord
R. Taylor | UK | 06/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These suites and partitas, together with a number of works for organ, were first published in Rome in 1716, and were apparently the first published collection of Domenico Zipoli's work - though listening to the these pieces it is hard to believe it. Shortly afterwards Zipoli left Italy first for Iberia and then the Jesuit missions in South America where he remained, virtually forgotten about in Europe, for the rest of his life. Only the relatively recent discovery of many of his later works preserved for generations in Bolivia has led to more rounded understanding of this composer.Whilst in these pieces Zipoli was undoubtedly influenced by the energetic style of his predecessor Pasquini, the big difference here is that instead of complex counterpoint being to the fore the emphasis is on the beautiful use of melody throughout.Sergio Vartolo's performance and the tone of the instrument add to a thoroughly enjoyable disc."