Ombra mai fu - Francesco Cavalli Opera Arias

This recording confirmed my suspicion that Cavalli's operas have been unjustly neglected. Jaroussky's selection is extremely persuasive and the performances by singers and chamber orchestra are superb. I strongly recommend it to all lovers of baroque operatic music

Huge artist and wonderful music . Fantastic presentation

This is a collection of arias and scenas from the operas of Francesco Cavalli, Monteverdi's most brilliant pupil and distinguished successor in the development of Italian baroque opera. It is sung by countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, accompanied by the excellent period-instrument ensemble Artaserse. Jaroussky is also joined in three duets by soprano Emöke Baráth and contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux respectively. The chosen arias and duets demonstrate the versatile range of emotions and expression which distinguish Cavalli's work. The items are organised, with a few instrumental sinfonias interspersed, so as to provide variety of mood and tempo, often following closely one upon another so as to offer an engaging musical sequence.Jaroussky is in great form throughout, making the most of many fine opportunities to demonstrate his powers of expression and vocal agility. The dozen or so members of the ensemble use a wide range of instruments including strings, cornetti, recorders and continuo, and provide very alert and stylish accompaniment throughout. Among the many delights on the disc are the first item, 'Ombra mai fu' from Cavalli's 'Serse', not perhaps comparable with Handel's equivalent magical melody but a graceful aria nonetheless. It's followed by the warlike 'All'armi, mio core' from 'Statira', . From 'Erismena' comes a lovelorn lament (one of Cavalli's specialities), ' Uscitemi dal cor, lagrime amare' (track 4). A scena from 'Calisto' (5-6) introduces the beautiful and expressive contralto voice of Marie-Nicole Lemieux. 'Elena' provides the heartfelt duet 'Mio diletto, mio sospiro' (8) with the wonderful Emöke Baráth. From 'Eliogabalo' comes another beautiful lament, 'Misero, così va' (10), followed by a complete change of mood with the pageboy Nerillo's breathlessly comic and skittish 'Che città' from 'Ormindo' (11), the ritornelli entertainingly passing in turn between strings, cornetti and recorders.'Misero Apollo' brings another graceful lament (13), followed by an arresting and attractively scored Sinfonia from 'Orione'. The interweaving of Jaroussky's and Baráth's voices in the duet 'O luci belle' from 'Eritrea' is especially beautiful (15). The short but attractive Sinfonia from 'Doriclea' is graced by stylish embellishments from the band (17), and this is followed by 'Lucidissima face', a captivating homage to the moon set to one of Cavalli's most enticing melodies (18). Returning to 'Serse', Jaroussky shows his great vocal agility in the quick tempo of 'La bellezza è un don fugace' (21), and the disc ends with a wistful song on a ground, 'Che pensi, mio core?', delicately rendered by singer and players alike, bringing the programme to a graceful conclusion,.Recorded sound is realistic and perfectly balanced, and we get a finely illustrated hardback booklet with an extremely informative essay by Jean-François Lattarico. Supporting documentation is also impeccable, and texts and translations are of course included. This is a lovely Cavalli programme full of great tunes, fine singing and instrumental work, offering not only an outstanding demonstration of the wide-ranging melodic and expressive qualities of Cavalli's operas but also a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle for the musical and dramatic talents of a great countertenor.

This new Jaroussky CD is beautifully presented with copious historical notes. Most of the music was new to me and much enjoyed. Jaroussky is in glorious voice and accompanied by Artaserse with a wonderful ensemble of period instruments. For those brought up on Raymond Leppard's Glyndebourne Cavalli, this CD will no doubt come as a shock, but don't be put off - this is the real deal. Jaroussky is also joined by 2 female companions, equally in great voice for some duo scenes. Altogether a great disc with so much to be enjoyed.

Sadly not up to Jarousky's standards