Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) was an important composer, musician and teacher of Baroque Europe. He held several important posts, notably in Dresden, London (where he was Handel�s rival) and Venice. He was the teacher of the famous castrato Farinelli and Joseph Haydn. In Venice Porpora was teacher and chorus master at the Ospedale delle Piet�, a charitable institution for orphans and abandoned girls, where music was an important part of the children�s education. On this disc are presented a selection of sacred works written for the female choirs of the Ospedale: highly attractive works, full of drama, expressive effects and virtuoso roles for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Excellent performances by the Coro Femminile Harmonia and the Ensemble Barocca e Musicali Affetti, conducted by Michele Perugi. A fascinating document of musical life in Baroque Venice, containing several first recordings!