Lelio Colista (1629-1680) was born in Rome. Raised as a choirboy the child prodigy took Rome by storm, the ‘Orpheus of the city of Rome’ played the guitar, lute, theorbo and harp, as well as being a dancer in the staged performances at the famous Palazzo Barberini. He worked at the courts of several Italian cities (Bologna, Firenze) before settling in Rome again, becoming a sought-after composer and teacher (one of his students was Gaspar Sanz). This new recording presents several Cantatas for one, two or three voices and instrumental ensemble, here consisting of two violins, cello, theorbo and harpsichord. The themes are often pastoral, amorous and slightly melancholy, but also playful and witty, the music a perfect expression of the text. Played on period instruments by the Early Music group Ensemble Giardino Di Delizie, who already successfully recorded Complete Sinfonias by Lonati (BC 95590), Gems of the Polish Baroque (BC 95955) Gems of the Polish Baroque (BC 95955) and ‘Sinfonie a tre’ by Colista (BC 96033) for Brilliant Classics.