Antonio Vivaldi - Masques (Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian; Café Zimmermann)

Information

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

1. Bajazet, RV 703, Sinfonia: I. Allegro
2. Bajazet, RV 703, Sinfonia: II. Andante molto
3. Bajazet, RV 703, Sinfonia: III. Allegro
4. La verita in cimento, RV 739, Act I Scene 11: Aria. I lacci tende più forti
5. Violin Concerto in D Minor, RV 241: I. Allegro
6. Violin Concerto in D Minor, RV 241: II. Grave
7. Violin Concerto in D Minor, RV 241: III. Allegro
8. Orlando Furioso, RV 728, Act I Scene 10: Aria. Sol da te mio dolce amore
9. Introduzione al Gloria "Longe mala, umbrae, terrores", RV 640
10. Concerto for Two Horns in F Major, RV 538: I. Allegro
11. Concerto for Two Horns in F Major, RV 538: II. Largo
12. Concerto for Two Horns in F Major, RV 538: III. Allegro non molto
13. Orlando Furioso, RV 728; Act II Scene 5: Aria. Piangerò sin che l’onda
14. La verita in cimento, RV 739, Act I Scene 11: Aria. Mi vuoi tradir, lo sò
15. Flute Concerto in F Major, RV 434: I. Allegro ma non tanto
16. Flute Concerto in F Major, RV 434: II. Largo cantabile
17. Flute Concerto in F Major, RV 434: III. Allegro
18. Motezuma, RV 723, Act I Scene 1: Aria. S’impugni la spada

Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, countertenor

Café Zimmermann

Pablo Valetti, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Alpha Classics

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This album showcases Antonio Vivaldi’s writing for the alto voice alongside solo works for strings, flute, and horn, offering a richly varied portrait of the composer. The program features celebrated arias from Orlando furioso and La verità in cimento, the violin concerto RV 241 associated with Johann Georg Pisendel, a flute concerto, and selected sacred vocal works. Conceived by Café Zimmermann—renowned for its decades-long engagement with Vivaldi—and featuring countertenor Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, the recording presents an eclectic “best of” Vivaldi. Praised for its stylistic insight and expressive depth, the album highlights the enduring vitality of Vivaldi’s music.

Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian is an internationally acclaimed French countertenor who began his stage career at the age of ten and trained at leading French institutions, including the Paris Conservatory. A laureate of major distinctions such as the HSBC Prize at the Aix-en-Provence Festival and the Gabriel Dussurget Prize, he is renowned for his sensitivity and dramatic intensity. While Baroque opera forms the core of his repertoire, he also explores Lied, mélodie, and contemporary music. He performs regularly on the world’s foremost stages and with leading conductors and ensembles. His extensive discography includes more than fifteen recordings, including a critically acclaimed solo recital.

Founded in 1999 and resident at the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume in Aix-en-Provence, Café Zimmermann is one of Europe’s leading Baroque ensembles. Named after the renowned Leipzig institution run by Gottfried Zimmermann, the ensemble seeks to revive the artistry and spirit of its namesake. Celebrated for the liveliness of its interpretations, the beauty of its timbres, and its radiant, generous sound, Café Zimmermann performs both vocal and instrumental works by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, and their contemporaries. Beyond concerts and recordings, the ensemble is dedicated to promoting Baroque music through educational initiatives and cultural outreach, engaging diverse audiences with its artistry.