Passion, betrayal and longing

In the 18th century, the cantata, a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment, was wildly popular. Bach’s cantatas are often performed, but Handel and Vivaldi also wrote magnificent works in this genre. However, their cantatas are rarely heard in concert halls. The adventurous baroque ensemble PRJCT Amsterdam and countertenor Maarten Engeltjes are changing that. They are bringing back to life this music of two absolute masters, music about love, passion, betrayal and longing.

Antonio Vivaldi left behind nearly forty cantatas, whereas Handel’s list boasts around one hundred and twenty. These are sublime works for single or multiple voices, accompanied by instruments. Intimate, pastoral, Arcadian, festive, it’s all there in this brief introduction. Starting with Vivaldi’s cantata Cessate, omai cessate, about the pain of a broken heart.