Important though Alessandro Stradella's compositions were during his lifetime, modern history has ceded notoriety from his works to his dramatic, often sordid, life story. In a world premiere recording of the fascinating oratorio Ester, liberatrice del popolo Hebreo, conductor Luca Franco Ferrari, soloists, and ensemble Il Concento seek to restore Stradella's due respect. The work itself conforms to 17th century conventions of the oratorio, while soaring dramatically on the power of Stradella's adventurous and fiery style.