Little is known about António Pereira da Costa, yet the exceptional quality of the only work by him that has come down to us — a set of 12 Concerti Grossi — places him in a prominent position in the history of Portuguese music. The composer held the position of Kapellmeister at Funchal Cathedral, and these concertos, the only known works of their kind in Portuguese music, were published in London by John Simpson in the 1740s.
Largely inspired by the Corellian model, these works frequently display an unmistakably “Iberian” flavour, exemplifying the charm and freshness of an undeniably refined “Tropical Baroque”.
Following Ensemble Bonne Corde’s recording of these works, which received enthusiastic reviews from the European specialist press, Barroco Tropical presents Pereira da Costa’s unique works in concert alongside contemporary repertoire from London’s musical scene, including works by G. F. Handel, F. S. Geminiani, and N. Porpora.
Diana Vinagre – Baroque cello & artistic direction
Yukié Yamaguchi, Guadalupe del Moral – Solo violins
César Nogueira, Ellie Niemeroski – Tutti violins
Jacek Kurdzylo – Baroque viola
Rebecca Rosen – Baroque cello
Marta Vicente – Baroque double bass
Josep Maria Marti Duran – Theorbo & baroque guitar
Fernando Miguel Jalôto – Harpsichord & organ