Antonio Valente, blind Neapolitan. This is how the composer, an adopted Neapolitan, signed his name in his fundamental Intavolatura de Cimbalo of 1576, the first book dedicated exclusively to harpsichord and composed with the special and complex musical notation invented by the composer. Celebrated in his time and esteemed throughout the subsequent centuries, Valente has been unfortunately neglected in our time. An author of contrasts, his music transmits both cultured and refined writing, in addition to containing an everyman quality; his exquisite flavor infuses wisdom and affability with enchantment and seduction. On this album recorded on two invaluable instruments from the 16th century, the music of Valente is surrounded by compositions of contemporary Spanish realm composers, recreating the musical ambience of sumptuous Spanish Naples. The program closes with a piece from a musician that best represents the continuation of the Valente’s style, glorifying the magnificent and exuberant early baroque: Sir Carlo Gesualdo of Venosa with the Canzon Francese del Principe.
