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Invernizzi, Gens. Genaux; Agnew, Abbondanza; Ensemble Europa Galante, Biondi. Texts and translations. Virgin Classics 45666
Those who relish philosophical explorations in works of art will enjoy this early specimen. Alessandro Scarlatti's oratorio La Santissima Trinita breathes life into the perpetual battle between Faith and Faithlessness, personified by a soprano and a tenor, respectively. At the center of the conflict is the acceptance of the mystery of the Holy Trinity--how can three also be one? With the aid of Theology (a mezzo), Time (a bass) and Divine Love (a second soprano), Faith maintains the upper hand, although Faithlessness's half-hearted concession doesn't hold out much hope for an end to the struggle. Scarlatti was known for his intellectual streak, but his genius lies in his ability to flesh out what could easily be a tiresome, undramatic allegorical debate with sparkling, varied music. Indeed, the well of Scarlatti's invention yields bucketfuls of alternately joyful, thoughtful, ardent and tender arias, recitatives and ariosos; he must have known this would be a hard sell otherwise. ...