Bononcini, G B:
Polifemo
Caldara:
Sinfonia in C major
Handel:
Aci, Galatea e Polifemo
Porpora:
Polifemo

Polyphemus, a cyclops of ancient Greek legend with one eye and three fingers on each hand, became a central figure in many myths and in their musical settings by Baroque composers. This son of Poseidon, a giant of insurmountable strength, appears in many fables, the best known of which are his encounters Odysseus during the heroís homeward journey and with Theseus, who kills Polyphemus. The Italian bass Luigi De Donato has the right voice and temperament to represent the ideal embodiment of Polyphemus, and together with Collegium 1704 under the baton of Vaclav Luks he breathes life into ancient Greek legends.