Probably no other composer and vocal pedagogue had a stronger influence on opera seria than the Neapolitan Nicola Porpora. Countless renowned singers emerged from his school; the best-known example is the castrato Farinelli.

Porpora was not only a significant opera composer, however, but also created numerous chamber cantatas - dramatic scenes scored for small ensembles that are almost always set in an Arcadian atmosphere and were intended for performance in the private sphere.

Porpora wrote over 130 works in this appealing genre; on this recording can be heard five cantatas for a deep female voice, interpreted by the mezzo soprano Marina De Liso, one of the most sought-after singers on the baroque scene.

With a wealth of colours and emotions, and a wide range between lyrical expression and dramatic virtuosity, she brings these miniatures about the love troubles of shepherds and shepherdesses to life. The instrumental parts are performed by Stile Galante under the direction of Stefano Aresi. This ensemble, founded in 2010, specialises in the gallant repertoire of the late Italian baroque which the young musicians from all over Europe interpret with brilliance and vitality.