First performed in 1765; Antonio Sacchini’s Saint Philip Neri’s Renunciation of All Worldly Wealth is an oratorio about the father of the oratorio. It depicts the spiritual trials of Saint Philip Neri as he is hounded by the personifications of Splendour and Deception; assisted and defended by Poverty on his journey towards God and virtue. Franz Hauk conducts Concerto de Bassus with a team of renowned soloists. World premiere recording.

REVIEW:

The performance is excellent. Both sopranos Yeree Suh and Ketevan Chutishvili have light and airy voices, suitable for the bravura arias Sacchini favors, while Markus Schäfer has a huge range as a tenor, negotiating the fiendish coloratura with ease. Daniel Ochoa’s bass is powerful and decisive. All are spot on in terms of pitch, and the tempos led by Franz Hauk suit this sort of music extremely well. I am also impressed by the accuracy and liveliness of the Concerto de Bassus.

-- Fanfare