Prelude in A Minor

Prelude in A Minor by Francesco Durante (1684-1755)

Francesco Durante was a highly respected composer and teacher during the first half of the 18th century in Naples. He chose to concentrate on sacred music rather than the more fashionable opera composition favoured by other Neapolitans and his works became examples of 'good composition' used for teaching.

Durante was primo maestro at the two major Conservatorii in Naples S Onofrio and S Maria di Loreto and taught composers ranging from Sacchini to Piccini and Paisiello. Not a composer of a large quantity of work, his music exhibits great skill and invention and a dramatic flair well suited to the style of music he chose to write.