Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in Arabic Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.During the later Baroque era the Scarlattis turned music into a veritable family business. At least eight were composers, notably Alessandro Scarlatti, who wrote more than 40 operas, and his son Domenico, best known for his keyboard sonatas. The others mostly remain peripheral figures today.The Armonico Consort, directed by Christopher Monks, has been investigating Francesco Scarlatti, brother of Alessandro and uncle of Domenico, and this latest instalment in the ensemble’s series presents the first-ever recording of his oratorio Il Daniele nel lago de’leoni.Although Francesco is believed to have written four oratorios, only his setting of the biblical tale of Daniel in the lions’ den survives complete. In 1719, he moved to England, where he lived and worked for more than a decade, which may explain why the manuscript is now held in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.This is not a grand affair with rousing choruses like a Handel oratorio, but a work on a more modest scale, just five singers taking all the roles and occasionally joining in ensemble. The musical style is late Baroque, leaning towards early Classical, quick in imagination and elegant. Highlights include a dramatic encounter with a fire-breathing dragon and typically Baroque echo effects adding atmosphere.Musical history will not be overturned by this recording, but the oratorio makes a worthwhile addition to the Scarlattis’ story. Monks directs a deft performance with a decent cast, headed by sopranos Billie Robson and Hannah Fraser-Mackenzie in the lead roles of the Angel and Daniel.★★★☆☆‘Francesco Scarlatti: Il Daniele nel lago de’leoni’ is released by Signum Classics
