Recorded between July and August 2024 at St. Alban’s Church in Birmingham, UK, Still Life is the debut album from Música d’Outrora. This album represents the culmination of years of dedicated exploration into the captivating world of the Stylus Fantasticus, also known as the Fantastic Style.

The project delves into the intricate connections that define this unique compositional style throughout the 17th century. It features an eclectic mix of works by renowned composers such as D. Castello, D. Buxtehude, and A. Stradella, alongside previously unrecorded pieces by Ignazio Albertini, Gregorio Strozzi, and Alfonso Ferrabosco. This blend of familiar and lesser-known works showcases the rich tapestry of emotions and artistic expression characteristic of the period.

The title Still Life not only pays homage to one of the most prominent art forms of the 17th century but also serves as a metaphor for a distinctive phenomenon within this music. It evokes a series of snapshots, where each section is suspended in time before gracefully transitioning to the next, creating a vivid sequence of images that captures a wide spectrum of human emotions.

This ambitious project has been made possible through the generous support of the Continuo Foundation, whose commitment to fostering musical innovation is invaluable. Join us on this enchanting journey as we explore the depth and beauty of the Stylus Fantasticus.