(It., from sereno: 'clear night sky').
A dramatic cantata, normally celebratory or eulogistic, for two or more
singers with orchestra. The name alludes to the fact that performance
often took place by artificial light outdoors at night.*
The Serenata is one of the more fascinating genres of the baroque
period. Usually written for a specific occasion such as birthdays or
to celebrate great events, the Serenata was neither opera (as it was
generally performed at most in a semi-staged manner) and more than a
cantata (although many serenatas were subtitled Cantata à 2/3/4/5 etc).
The research of the people involved in this site revolves around the
works of Neapolitans like Alessandro
Scarlatti, Domenico Sarri, Leonardo Leo and Nicola
Porpora to name but a few. We are editing, performing and
recording works within the genre and hope that you will contribute to the
site's work by letting us know of your experiences within this
style. Performers, musicologists and interested amateurs are all
welcome to make comments and suggestions, to contribute music or articles,
even advertise performances around the globe.
Join us to fill the gaps in knowledge
about the Serenata!
* New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (Michael Talbot)
|
Jacopo Amigoni, Ritratto di Farinelli, 1734-35,
Muzeul National de Arta al Romanieri, Bucarest |
