As everyone knows water is everywhere in Venice, even (as has been often noted) reflected on its ceilings and walls.
For those who have never seen this phenomenon, or for those who miss seeing it in person, the five minute video above shows light reflected off the Grand Canal playing upon an 18th century fresco of Venus and Aeneas attributed, at least by some, to Pietro Antonio Novelli and Davide Rossi. It makes me think, however, of the freschi in the Sala della Musica of the Ospedaletto by Jacopo Guarana and Agostino Mengozzi Colonna, but what do I know? I should do some research into this....
As there wasn't much in the way of sound to this clip aside from the annoying sound of the camera itself doing I don't know what, I've added a song by the remarkable 17th century Venetian composer Barbara Strozzi--yes, a woman composer, who "published eight volumes of her own music during her lifetime," giving her "more music in print than any other composer of the era."
The song is "Per Un Bacio Che Rubbai," performed by soprano Marta Almajano and musicians Luca Pianca and Vittorio Ghielmi from their album Per Un Bacio: Cantatas and Madrigals of 17th Century Italy (Harmonia Mundi Iberica, 2005).
It's best listened to with headphones.
(Video recorded 16 April 2021, 7 am)
Beautiful video. Reflections on facades, bridges, interior architectures, etc and their variations through the day are a permanent wondering in Venice, if you take the time to stop and look. Barbara Strozzi is an excellent choice. She is not yet sufficiently known, recorded and programmed in concerts, but it's always a pleasure. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Auvraisien, I never get tired of those reflections, wherever they appear (though those on the underside of a bridge can be especially appealing somehow). I only just discovered Barbara Strozzi in the course of looking for pieces by Benedetto Ferrari: there are so many good things out there to be found.
DeleteThis is absolutely beautiful if not magical. The perfect tonic. I never heard of Barbara Strozzi before but I certainly seek out more. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Joe, I'm really glad you liked the short video. I'd never heard of Barbara Strozzi either before coming upon her while searching for the work of a different, better known composer of that era to use for the video.
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