Antonio Caldara (1670 – 1736) was a prolific Italian Baroque composer who left a significant mark on the musical world of his time through his extensive oeuvre. Born in Venice, he began his career as a chorister and later on as a violinist at St Mark's Basilica and gained considerable acclaim as a composer of operas, cantatas, oratorios, and instrumental music. Caldara's career took him across Italy and into the courts of Mantua and Florence before he landed a prestigious post as vice-Kapellmeister at the court of Charles VI in Vienna, where he served until his death.

Renowned for his melodious and inventive compositions, Caldara wrote in a style that bridged the late Baroque with early Classicism. Although he was an exact contemporary of Bach and Handel, Caldara's music embodies a different aesthetic, often characterized by its gentle lyricism and elegance. His liturgical and sacred works, such as the "Maddalena ai piedi di Christo" and "Missa dolorosa," remain enduring contributions to choral and religious repertoires. His instrumental pieces, including his violin sonatas and the innovative "12 Sinfonie a quattro," showcase his mastery of form and harmony, confirming his status as a key figure in the development of symphonic and chamber music of the era. Caldara's music, once overshadowed after his death, has enjoyed a revival in the modern era, celebrating him as a pivotal composer in the Baroque tapestry.

Genres

Baroque

Italian Baroque

Italian Opera

Latest Release

Caldara: Gloria in C Major - Respighi: Lauda per la natività del Signore, P. 166

Antonio Caldara

Album - 15 Tracks - Released November 10, 2023