Prima Donna

The daughter of a French wigmaker established in Mantua, mezzo-soprano Anna Giraud, met Antonio Vivaldi there. An artistic and personal relationship quickly developed between the young singer and the musician, who began her training before continuing it in Venice, at the Ospedale della Pietà.

Fascinated by the woman who would become one of the great prima donna of Venice, the Red Priest composed around ten roles for her from the very beginning of their collaboration. Nicknamed "l'Anima del Prete Rosso" by the Venetians, Anna Giraud established herself as the preferred interpreter of operatic works such as Griselda, Orlando, Alcina, and Bajazet, as well as numerous sacred works.

Less virtuosic than the great castrati of her time, she captivated audiences with other qualities: a deeply expressive voice, a tessitura naturally inclined towards the lower register, undeniable charisma, and genuine acting talent, praised notably by Goldoni. Their relationship, finally, fueled rumors and fascination at the time, a mixture of sincere admiration and a whiff of scandal surrounding the master and his muse.


PROGRAM

Antonio Vivaldi, airs and Sinfonias from Bajazet RV 703, Griselda RV 718,Stabat Mater RV 621, Judith Triumphans RV 644.

DISTRIBUTION

The Concert de l'Hostel Dieu:
Franck-Emmanuel Comte, harpsichord and direction;
Blandine de Sansal , soprano; 
Reynier Guerrero, first violin