Here’s a set unique on record: Luigi Dallapiccola’s song cycles with small ensemble, based mostly on ancient and medieval texts. • With the Songs of the 17th-18th c., by Monteverdi, Caldara, Carissimi, Caccini, Durante, Stradella, Legrenzi and others, his intelligent use of counterpoint and canon, exquisite taste for vocal timbres and polyrhythm, highlight his modernism and passionate interest in his cultural heritage. • Two original song cycles from the 1940s, Rencesvals and Quattro Liriche di Antonio Machado, both severe and warmly emotional, testify to a truly unique style.
