During the period of the Baroque the city of Naples was undoubtedly the musical capital of Europe. As part of the Bourbon kingdom its reputation passed its boundaries, and musicians from all countries joined in the cultural melting pot.

Most of the Neapolitan composers were producing both instrumental and sacred music, each influencing the other. The sacred style, initially based on the counterpoints of Palestrina, imbibed elements from the Opera: dramatic musical gestures and expressive melodic arias.

This new recording presents settings of the Salve Regina, a well known Maria Hymn, by composers Nicola Porpora, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and Leonardo Leo, music from the transition from Baroque to Galante Style.

Sung by soprano Federica Napoletani and the Ensemble Imaginaire, led by Cristina Corrieri.