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Antonio Caldara:
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Antonio Caldara:
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| From 1676 to 1740, on
Christmas Eve, a Christmas cantata was performed for the
Pope and his invited guests in the Palazzo Apistolico. A
different, usually Roman composer was chosen each year to
compose the cantata. Following the Christmas Eve Vesper
service, the Pope and his guests would eat dinner while
the new cantata was performed by the best singers in the
papal choir. In 1713, baroque composer Antonio Caldara (1670-1736) was commissioned to compose a Christmas cantata to be performed for the Pope (Clement XI) on Christmas Eve. Caldara previously composed a cantata for the Prince of Cerveteri, Francesco Maria Ruspoli, in 1712, and it is accepted that Caldara adapted his 1713 commission from this earlier cantata. Both versions make use of the same libretto, Vaticini di Pace, the text of which was rich with political content in the eyes if Italy at that time, and seemed appropriate to re-use and perform for the Pope and his esteemed guests. The content of Caldara's cantata reflects the Pope's political involvement during the war of the Spanish succession. During Italy's conflict between Bourbon and Habsburg for the assignment of a successor to the Spanish throne, the Pope eventually sided with the Bourbon's involvement. Caldara's prior association with the Prince of Cerveteri proved fruitful. Ruspoli's political ties with the Pope helped secure Caldara's 1713 commission following the 1712 cantata for Ruspoli. The political climate in baroque Rome at that time became a distinct factor in the commissioning of a Christmas cantata from Caldara. Our attention to Caldara's Christmas cantata is primarily confined to its artistic value, although the work is also deeply rooted in the political history of Italy. While the politics of music is not as much a factor in today's music, it was a common occurrence in the age of baroque composition. The text to Caldara's cantata, Vaticini di Pace, continually cries for peace, and focuses on the carnal nature of man's existence. It examines the human heart, expressing the universal need to relinquish our carnal nature in worship of the Son of God, Jesus. The work is reminiscent of man's eternal struggle in the carnal world, and the Pope's political struggle at the time. The music follows the text, expressing a wide range of emotional content. It is an exquisite representation of compositions written during that time. Caldara's work flows between instrumental and choral elements to solos and recitatives, expressing God's desire for peace, and the acquiescence and submission of mankind to the power of the Almighty. In the modern world, the most relevant element of Caldara's work is the religious message in conjunction with the music. Uplifting, introspective, and inspiring, Caldara's Christmas Cantata, although a seasonal piece, is a work that can be appreciated year-round. What better time to enjoy Caldara's work than during the holiday season. We all have our seasonal favorites, and this Christmas cantata, more than 250 years since it's writing, is still a seasonal work enjoyed by many. Naxos' release is superb. The performance is exceptional, and the all-digital recording is crisp and dynamic. Kevin Mallon's work with the Aradia Baroque Ensemble will earn its way into the collection of thousands of music lovers. The addition of Caldara's Sinfonias 5 and 6 round-out the release. For those who enjoy baroque composition, Caldara's Christmas Cantata and accompanying Sinfonias is a release you won't want to leave unheard. |
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