Splendore di Roma

'SPLENDORE DI ROMA', a collection of poetic 17th century lyrics performed by soprano Johannette Zomer - the dutch 'rising star'- and Fred Jacobs on theorbo. In order to convey a text's affective meaning the composers represented on the present CD expanded their means of musical expression, particularly with regard to the
treatment of dissonance. These new harmonic tools include the use of extreme and unprepared dissonances, harsh tone clusters and the persistent repetition of a note in the vocal part in a cadence, thus delaying its resolution.
Although women could not perform in public in 17th century Rome, the numerous private academies gave female virtuosi an opportunity to shine in front of an audience and make their reputations. These songs certainly give Johannette Zomer a chance to shine for a world audience and will add more acclaim to her growing reputation as a soloist.