Musica Fiorita
| Company type | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Daniela Dolci |
| Defunct | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Basel , Switzerland |
| Products | Baroque music performances, recordings |
Musica Fiorita was a baroque music ensemble based in Basel, established in 1990 and led by harpsichordist Daniela Dolci. The group dedicated itself to uncovering and performing obscure compositions from the 17th and 18th centuries, adhering to historically informed performance techniques. The ensemble discontinued its concert activities in March 2020.
The Ensemble
For thirty years under Daniela Dolci’s leadership, Musica Fiorita concentrated on repertoire from the late Renaissance and Baroque periods, prioritizing both historical fidelity and creative interpretation. Utilizing period instruments such as cornet, baroque violin, transverse flute, viola da gamba, lute, theorbo, baroque guitar, salterio, harp, harpsichord, and organ, the group sought to authentically convey the intricate details of 17th- and 18th-century music. A fundamental aspect of their mission was the revival of neglected works.
Their programs featured a blend of vocal and instrumental pieces, balancing sacred and secular compositions spanning early to high Baroque eras. Occasionally, chamber music performances were organized as social gatherings. Ensemble members originated from various countries but shared a common educational background at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, which contributed to a unified ensemble sound.
Musica Fiorita toured widely throughout Western and Eastern Europe, the Americas, and Asia, performing at numerous prominent festivals.
Artistic direction - Daniela Dolci
Daniela Dolci, born in Sicily, pursued studies in early music and historical keyboard instruments at Basel’s Schola Cantorum Basiliensis before advancing her training with Gustav Leonhardt in Amsterdam. Her specialization lies in authentic continuo playing based on original 17th- and 18th-century treatises, with significant influence from Jesper Bøje Christensen.
Dolci’s professional activities encompass concerts, opera productions, as well as television and radio recordings with ensembles like Dulzainas and Concerto di Viole. She has collaborated with artists such as Ivan Monighetti and participated in notable festivals including Bach Days Berlin, Moscow Chamber Music Festival, Händel Music Festival Göttingen, Innsbruck Early Music Festival, alongside tours in Japan and South America. Her work extends to dance projects involving baroque dance companies and contributions to scholarly music conferences.
A dedicated educator, Dolci delivers lectures on women composers and early music performance techniques while conducting basso continuo and ensemble masterclasses globally—in cities including Leipzig, Riga, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Argentina, Bolivia, and Italy. She also leads contemporary ensembles seeking expertise in early music interpretation.
Her distinctions include the title Peace Ambassador through Music awarded in Chiquito (Bolivia) in 2006; the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana (2008) for promoting Italian culture internationally; and the Hans Roth Prize (Bolivia) received in 2010.
Recordings
- Die Herrlichkeit der Erden muss Rauch und Asche werden – Music and poetry from the Thirty Years' War, featuring recitant Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
- Celebremus cum gaudio – Compositions by Johann Melchior Gletle
- Portrait – Works by Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre
- Oratorio Alexius of Rome – by Camilla de Rossi detta la Romana
- Arie, Lamenti e Cantate – Pieces by Barbara Strozzi
- Canzoni, Danze e Variazioni – Compositions of Tarquinio Merula
- Sonate Concertate in Stil Moderno – Works by Dario Castello
- Triumphale canticum – By Johann Melchior Gletle
- Céphale et Procris – Tragédie en musique by Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre
- Santa Beatrice d'Este – Composed by Camilla de Rossi detta la Romana
- Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with