Lodovico Ferronati is one of those so-called minor figures who enriched the musical landscape of the 18th century without their fame extending beyond their death. However, it would be a grave error to consider this oblivion justified, because these minor composers created and maintained the
cultural undergrowth that populated cities across Europe and significantly characterized the artistic life of their own territory. Lodovico Ferronati, born in Padua but adopted by Bergamo, would tie his name to the Orobic city, serving in the prestigious Musical Chapel of the
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for more than 60 years, first as a violinist and later as Chapel Master. One would expect that such a long service would guarantee a substantial discovery of his compositions, but unfortunately this is not the case: most of his sacred compositions have been lost while
a collection of sonatas for violin and basso continuo published in 1710 in Venice and a series of violin concertos preserved in Dresden and Vienna in important libraries have survived to this day, testifying to how the quality of his compositions was held in high regard and allowed his music to extend beyond domestic borders.
Ferronati’s figure was that of a person with considerable cultural depth, respected both for his musical abilities and his passion for art. Combining his long-standing activity within the Chapel of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and his lifelong art collecting,
it is easy to imagine the influence Ferronati may have had on the cultural landscape of Bergamo throughout the 18th century.
The subject of a thesis at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis and subsequent in-depth study, the Ferronati project led by Thomas Chigioni finds realization in the recording and publication of his most successful vocal and instrumental pages.

Playbill

Lodovico Ferronati (1680 -1767)

Concerto by Mr. Lodovico Ferronati with obligato 2nd violin CFC 1:C1 (Vienna)
Concerto à quattro by Mr. Lodovico Ferronati CFC 1:F1 (Vienna)
Motet “Crudelis herodes” for contralto (or. Soprano) and orchestra CFC 3:1 (Bergamo)
Concerto à quattro CFC 1:D1 (Vienna)
Concerto (à quattro) by Mr. Lodovico Ferronati CFC 1:B1 (Vienna)
Hymn of St. Anthony “Engratulemur hodie” for contralto and orchestra CFC 3:1 (Bergamo)
Concerto with solo violin, violins, viola and Bass CFC 1:D2 (Dresden)

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Jérémie Chigioni solo violin
Margherita Maria Sala contralto
Francesca Longa soprano
Ensemble Locatelli

Thomas Chigioni direction