Enjoy the exciting pursuit of cupid in this world premiere recording of Salir el Amor del Mundo (Love Leaves the World / Cupids Final Folly), a zarzuela by Sebastián Durón (1660-1716), resurrected and directed by world renowned Baroque guitarist and musicologist Richard Savino. Leading and performing with his ensemble, El Mundo, Savino has assembled a spectacular cast for this exciting new discovery. The zarzuela is coupled with other period works from José Nebra, Juan Hildago, José Marin, and Santiago De Murcia.

In the Zarzuela, Durón tells the story of Cupid (Jennifer Ellis Kampani - soprano) who has brazenly entered the forest of the chaste huntress Diana (Karen Clark – contralto). The goddess declares war on Cupid, and summons the gods Apollo (Anne Moss – soprano), Mars (Erica Schuler – soprano), and Jupiter (Nell Snaidas – soprano) to assist her in her pursuit, each of whom has a confrontational moment with Venus’ offspring.

Critics throughout the world have praised Richard Savino’s performances and recordings - his over thirty five recordings have garnered international acclaim and he performs regularly with some of the world’s most important musicians and organizations including the Houston Grand Opera, New York Collegium and many others.

El Mundo is a chamber group that was created by Richard Savino to perform the rich and sensual musical repertory from 16th–19th century Italy, Spain and Latin America. El Mundo has performed for early music and chamber music presenters in Houston, San Diego, Arizona, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Cleveland, Columbus, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, Sedona and many other locations.

Sebastián Durón was a musician closely identified with Spanish theatre music, leaving us a wonderful repertory of zarzuelas, operas and tonos humanos. Durón entered the service of the royal chapel in 1691, and within a few years became the most important musical figure both inside and outside the court. A prolific composer, Sebastián Durón was able to successfully integrate Spanish and Italian styles into single compositions.

Salir el Amor del Mundo was recorded at the world famous Skywalker Sound. The excitement of the pursuit of cupid leaps out of the speakers and into the listeners homes in this release and is a must for classical and early music lovers, Latin music lovers, and fans of the theatre and opera alike.