Back in the 18th century, many a German or Italian music lover would readily state that amongst the most famous musicians and librettists of his time would be, respectively, Johann Adolf Hasse and Pietro Metastasio. If the latter remains rather renowed even in our times, though, it is not through his numerous associations with his friend Hasse – the pair have produced over thirty operas together ! – but due to other composers’ usage of his verses, in particular Mozart, Gluck, Porpora, Caldara, even Schubert and Beethoven for some Lieder. The name Metastasio has remained highly visible, whereas that of Hasse did not pass the test ot times, or rather, needs be re-evaluated. Beyond the realm of opera, Hasse and Metastasio worked on another form, destined to more aristocratic and private circles: the chamber cantata, exquisitely crafted pieces of pure music catering to the virtuosity of performers of that time. The countertenor Filippo Mineccia, one of the up-and-coming new countertenors in the business, has selected four Hasse cantatas based on texts by Metastasio for this album. The stories hark back to Greek tragedy, namely the pastoral musical idiom known as Arcadian, featuring happy innocent shepherds, in the celebratory and slightly precious style that the aristocracy enjoyed so much. © SM/Qobuz