The Ensemble Bonne Corde is releasing its new album at the concert on 26 September at the Belém Cultural Centre — a modern revival of António de Pádua Puzzi’s Messa a quattro voci, con Violoncelli, Fagotti, Basso, ed Organo (1793).
“This work belongs to a uniquely Portuguese tradition from the late eighteenth century, in which solo cellos and bassoons are used alongside voices, accompanied exclusively by low instruments, in an attempt to emulate the writing of the classical orchestra. António de Pádua Puzzi (c. 1762–1819) was one of several court composers who wrote for this instrumentation, and he remains one of the many figures yet to be rediscovered in the history of Portuguese music from this period. Puzzi served the Portuguese court throughout his career, holding the position of Mestre de Capela at the Basilica of Mafra. This recording represents the modern premiere of his work, and Puzzi is still an under-researched composer of the Portuguese Classical era. The release is issued by the Belgian label Ramée (Outhere Music).”