Vivaldi: Serenata RV 687 "La Gloria e Imeneo"

The 73rd installment of the Vivaldi Edition continues its exploration of one of the lesser-known sides of the "Red Priest's" music and once again focuses on the field of serenades, the rarely performed work "La Gloria e Imeneo", recorded by Andrea Buccarella and his Abchordis Ensemble, which already caused a sensation two years ago with the "Serenata a tre".

What a revelation! Andrea Buccarella hits the nail on the head with his well thought-out phrasing, which is always full of life, nimble and expressive and which inspires the two singers, mezzo-soprano Teresa Iervolino and countertenor Carlo Vistoli, to an intensity that sticks in the memory. "La Gloria e Imeneo" was performed in 1725 as part of a magnificent celebration to mark the royal wedding of Louis XV and the Polish princess Marie Leszczyna polish princess Marie Leszczynska.

The two allegorical figures, Gloria and Imeneo, compete with each other in their praise of the royal couple. The libretto by an unknown author celebrates the political significance of the wedding and its impact on the royal dynasty, the offspring resulting from the union and the peace and prosperity it will bring to the kingdom. Stylistically, Vivaldi presents a wonderful synthesis of his approach from the mid-1720s with "La Gloria e Imeneo"; his depiction of human emotions remains irresistibly charming.