Die Blockflöte in Neapel 1695-1759.

This article journeys through the history of the recorder in Naples between the years 1695 and 1759. After a brief contextualization of the Neapolitan musical scene in the Baroque period, a wealth of original recorder repertoire is introduced: 46 sonatas, 28 concertos, 17 sinfonias, 28 cantatas, 14 loose arias and also parts in 9 serenatas, 3 oratorios and 3 operas, make up the 148 works inventoried, many of which new discoveries, and mostly extant in manuscript. The composers that wrote for the recorder include the Neapolitan creme-de-la-creme of the period - many of whom enjoyed international fame already then (Alessandro Scarlatti, Francesco Mancini, Domenico Sarro, Leonardo Leo, Leonardo Vinci, Nicola Porpora) - but also, less known composers who have left us true musical jewels (Pietro Pullj, Nicola Fiorenza, Giuseppe Porsile). Bridging the gap towards performance practice, the article then describes the only extant Neapolitan baroque recorder, a stunning ivory alto made by Giovanni Panormo, and explores other possible instruments for the performance of this unique repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]