Maurizio Cazzati (1616 - 1678) is one of the most underrated composers of the 17th century and yet one of the most prolific and successful in his time. He composed 15 operas and ora torios, masses, cantatas and motets, chamber music and solo sonatas.

Cazzati developed his own personal style, in his “stile concertato” the voices interact with the instruments of the ensemble, while his melodies have a typical Italian Bel Canto quality. The instrumental writing is lively and brilliant, occasionally making use of text painting.

This new recording presents sacred vocal music: Motets for soprano solo, two violins and organ. Between the vocal works we hear instrumental works by Cazzati, Colonna, Pasquini, and Arresti.

Sung by the soprano Ayako Ono. She graduated from the Civica Scuola di Musica Claudio Abbado in Milano with a Master's Degree in Vocal Music with honors. She won the first prize in both the solo and ensemble categories of the V inci International Baroque Competition. In Japan she regularly performs with the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a member of the early music ensemble "Il Merlo" and a m ember of the Handel Festival Japan Chamber Choir.