Delights of Posillipo

On March 1, 1620, the "festa a ballo Delizie di Posillipo" was performed at the Royal Palace of Naples to celebrate the recovery of King Philip III. Initiated by the Viceroy Pedro Girón, 3rd Duke of Osuna, this magnificent spectacle featured grand stage designs by Bartolomeo Cartaro and music by some of the finest Neapolitan composers: Pietro Antonio Giramo, Giacomo Spiardo, Andrea Ansalone, and especially Francesco Lambardi and Giovanni Maria Trabaci, the maestro di cappella and organist of the viceregal chapel. As with the great courtly intermezzi, the performance combined arias, canzonettas, and dances with alternating instrumental groups. On stage, Pan and Venus—symbols of the mainland and the maritime world—compete for Posillipo, and the contest concludes with a solemn final dance. La Grande Chapelle faithfully revives this sumptuous ballo, framing it with the religious ceremonies and music that the Spanish court hosted in Naples. A brilliant reflection of its power, its multicultural identity, and Baroque splendor.