In the 24-25 season, we will bring the oratorio Giuseppe riconosciuto to Barcelona, Mataró, and Madrid.
Despite its brevity, the turbulent life of composer Domènec Terradellas would make for a great movie, and we guarantee it would be highly entertaining, with a considerable number of locations needed. Born in Barcelona in 1713, he studied as a choirboy at Barcelona’s cathedral, where he was most likely a disciple of the legendary Francesc Valls. Before turning twenty, he was already a student at the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo in Naples, a city he left after a string of successes to become maestro di cappella in Rome. He didn’t have time to get bored; three years later, he was in London conducting at the King’s Theatre, and not long after that, he returned to Rome following stays in Brussels and Paris. He experienced success during his lifetime, composing sacred music and a good number of operas, leaving his mark (he is considered a key figure of the late Baroque, and without him, neither the Neapolitan school nor the evolution towards Classicism would be understood)... and he got into enough trouble for his premature death, at only 38, to be surrounded by mystery: did he die in a fight? Was he murdered? Stabbed? Perhaps poisoned? Was he killed by a rival in the art world or a jealous husband?
Giuseppe riconosciuto (1746) was his first work and is considered an oratorio due to its biblical theme—the story of Joseph, sold by his brothers into slavery, who rises to become an advisor to the Pharaoh of Egypt thanks to his gift for interpreting dreams and, years later, receives his family, now in misery, surrounded by dignity and wealth, without them recognizing him. However, its dramatic intensity, poignant story, and spectacular vocal treatment ensure a first-rate performance that doesn’t pale in comparison to his stage works: da capo arias that allow the soloists to shine, overflowing emotion, refinement, coloratura and other sophisticated ornamentation, virtuosity, and beautiful music that deserves greater recognition..
Vespres d'Arnadí presented the edition by Josep Dolcet at the Torroella Festival in 2023, and this season we will have the opportunity to revive it at the Palau de la Música Catalana (October 24), the Teatre Monumental de Mataró (December 1), and the Auditorio Nacional de Música (January 19, 2025), with the same stellar cast: Alicia Amo, Èlia Casanova, Anna Alàs i Jové, Jorge Navarro Colorado, Mercedes Gancedo, Roger Padullés, Montserrat Seró and Rafael Quirant. A unique opportunity to celebrate a Catalan musician of worldwide significance.
