In 1589 Ferdinando de 'Medici married the French princess Christine de Lorraine in Florence. During the festivities, the play "La pelligrina" was performed. As usual, the piece was graced by specially composed interludes (intermedi) full of dance, song and spectacle. This time, however, the intermedi were of an extraordinary quality, to such an extent that the music was published and many other
… facts are known about it. The music was composed by several composers who were all active at the court of the De Medici's. Three of them (Jacopo Peri, Giulio Caccini and Emilio de 'Cavalieri) would later use their experiences in the field of the intermedi in creating a whole new vocal genre, namely opera. Recordings of the "Intermedi from 1589" are therefore very interesting from a music-historical point of view; in addition, it also produces beautiful music. This recording comes from the Huelgas Ensemble conducted by Paul van Nevel. Earlier the Taverner Consort, Choir & Players (including Emma Kirkby) released a CD (and video) under Andrew Parrott of these intermedi under the title "Una 'stravaganza' dei Medici". (CP) _more
