Nicola Matteis and Son - Spice of Italy (Duo Dorado)

Information

• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Set of Movements in D Minor from Ayres for the Violin (1685)
• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Set of Movements in E Minor from Ayres for the Violin (1685)
• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Set of Movements in E Minor from Ayres for the Violin (1685 & 1676)
• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Set of Movements in F Major from Ayres for the Violin (1685)
• Nicola Matteis Jr. - Sonata in C Minor
• Nicola Matteis Jr. - Sonata in A Major
• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Variations on La Folia
• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Ground after the Scotch Humour in F Major from Ayres for the Violin (1685)
• Nicola Matteis Sr. - Set of Movements in G Minor from Ayres for the Violin (1676)

Duo Dorado

    Hazel Brooks, violin

    David Pollock, harpsichord & organ

Date: 2026

Label: Chandos

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Building on their previous exploration of Gottfried Finger’s violin sonatas, Duo Dorado turns to the music of Nicola Matteis Senior and Junior in A Spice of Itally. Despite being overlooked due to their status as emigrants, the Matteis family profoundly shaped English string playing. Matteis Senior, the first major Italian violinist in Restoration London, transformed British musical taste by introducing expressive Italian techniques, bold colors, and dramatic effects to a French-dominated culture. This recording celebrates their vibrant compositions, capturing the moment when English audiences embraced Italian flair as essential to their musical palate.

Duo Dorado, featuring violinist Hazel Brooks and harpsichordist David Pollock, has been performing early music together for over fifteen years. Renowned for their dynamic presentations and scholarly approach, the ensemble specializes in bringing Baroque repertoire to life, transforming historical manuscripts into compelling performances. Their work focuses heavily on lesser-known English Baroque composers, as demonstrated by their previous recordings of violin sonatas by William Croft and Daniel Purcell. Driven by a shared passion for historical research and accessible programming, Duo Dorado continues to introduce diverse, rediscovered 17th- and 18th-century chamber works to modern audiences around the world.