Francesco Scarlatti was the younger brother of Alessandro. His early years were spent in Naples and Rome and in 1719 he travelled to London to work with Handel. In 1724 he moved to Dublin where he spent the rest of his life. Francesco Scarlatti’s musical language is very close to that of his brother Alessandro’s. His Neapolitan training is discernable through a fondness for irregular melodic phrases, colourful and often highly dissonant harmonies, contrapuntal interplay of independent instrumental parts and fugal writing with strict vocal couternpoint. At his best Francesco Scarlatti reaches the heights of Vivaldi, Handel or most elevated Bach. This CD comprises three of his four surviving sacred choral works. These three works are recorded in 2003 as world premieres.
Armonico Consort has established itself as one of the foremost interpreters of baroque and renaissance music since its formation in 2001. It is performing a well received concert schedule, including venues such as the Wigmore Hall, London, with soprano Emma Kirkby. Armonico Consort’s reputation is built on precision and an extraordinary depth of dynamic colouring leading to truly breathtaking performances.