Georg Friedrich Handel: Faramondo [3CD]

Muzyka Barokowa
premiera polska: 2009-03-23
kontynent: Europa
kraj: Francja
opakowanie: plastikowe etui
opis:
Editors's info:
Handel's opera Faramondo (Pharamond), still rarely performed, is set in 5th century France. This production of Faramondo is probably unique in recording history - and maybe also in the performing history of Handel's operas since the 18th century. It finally gives us a complete recording of a Handel opera with men singing all the male characters cast for singers with high voices.

At the opera's first performances in London in 1738, Faramondo was sung by the star castrato Caffarelli, but the other two parts were sung by women dressed as men, since Handel could not afford to pay for additional castrati, who were the highest-paid stars of the day. Since then, women have generally been engaged to sing the highest male roles in Handel operas, with countertenors often being allocated the characters with music in the alto range.

As with female singers, there were alto, mezzo soprano and soprano castrati. Until recently, countertenors have tended to take the lower-lying roles that Handel and other Baroque composers wrote for castrati. Now, a growing number of countertenors also sing in the mezzo and soprano ranges. Cencic, Jaroussky and Sabata are part of this generation of 'operatic countertenors' who can provide the vocal agility and range of colour which have perhaps been more readily associated with the female voice.


'The whole thing is a revelation.'

'A cool brilliant operatic game [...] a recording that for many will seem like countertenor heaven'

The Guardian , Tim Ashley, April 2009


'The cast is notable for the flamboyant contributions of the impressive young countertenors Max Emanuel Cencic (in the title role) and Philippe Jaroussky. Strongly recommend to diehard Handel fans.'

'[...] This lively and attractive recording certainly reveals an invigorating score, swiftly paced with a wealth of incisive, tuneful arias and a welcome absence of dry recitative.'

5 STARS * * * * *
Rupert Christiansen, The Daily Telegraph, February 2009


'Faramondo is among the least-known of Handel's operas [...] but there's plenty of good music, including two moving arias for the mezzo heroine, a tenderly interwoven Act 3 love duet and a flamboyant finale.'

'Fasolis directs with strong contributions from Marina de Liso (Rosimonda), Sophie Karthauser and Philippe Jaroussky [...]'

4 STARS * * * *
Andrew Clark , The Financial Times, March 2009

Jul-2009 Gramophone Editor's Choice
[...] The whole thing is marvellously sung and played.[...]
muzycy:
Philippe Jaroussky
Max Emanuel Cencic
Choeur de La Radio Suisse
Marina De Liso
I Barocchisti
Diego Fasolis
Xavier Sabata
Sophie Karthäuser
Philippe Jaroussky
Coro Della Radio Svizzera

more info: www.virginclassics.com
more info2: www.philippejaroussky.fr