Armonico Consort to Premiere Francesco Scarlatti’s Forgotten Oratorio: Daniele

The Armonico Consort is set to give the first modern-day performance of the only surviving oratorio by the Italian Renaissance composer Francesco Scarlatti. Called Daniele, the piece, which has been lauded as ‘the greatest classical music find of the century’ by Le Figaro, depicts the biblical story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. It will have its premiere on January 27 in a concert at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick before forming part of the Armonico’s continuing ‘Forgotten Scarlatti’ tour across the UK.

Francesco Scarlatti, born in Sicily in 1666, was overshadowed by his more famous brother Alessandro and his nephew Domenico, the former known for his operas and the latter his 555 keyboard sonatas which are often staples in a pianist’s repertoire.

The first edition of the oratorio has been produced by Dr Geoffrey Webber, who reconstructed the autograph score discovered in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Webber, the former Director of Music at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge said: ‘Attention has always been focused on the more well-known members of the Scarlatti family and the relatively few pieces by Alessandro’s brother, Francesco, have largely been forgotten. The music of Scarlatti’s story of Daniel is exceptionally dramatic, making the most of the presence of lions and a fire-breathing monster, all tamed by the hero Daniel.’

Armonico Consort's ‘The Forgotten Scarlatti’ project aims to shed light on the neglected works of Francesco Scarlatti, following the success of performances featuring his compositions Dixit Dominus and Messa a 16. The tour will continue with upcoming shows in Yeovil on February 8 and Birmingham on February 12. Selected performances will feature fellow Baroque composers Vivaldi and Bach, with performances of the Vivaldi Gloria and Bach and Vivaldi violin concertos, given by Rachel Podger.

Christopher Monks, Founder and Director of Armonico Consort, expresses his excitement, saying, ‘It’s thrilling to be bringing this amazing and totally undiscovered masterpiece to life again.’