CD - DDD - 72'06
Virgin Classics, 2007
Georg Friedrich Händel, Nicolo Porpora, Johann Adolf Hasse, Christoph Willibald Gluck, Leonardo Leo, Carl Heinrich Graun, Giovanni Battista Alveri
Emmanuelle Haim & Le Concert d'Astree
Philippe Jaroussky’s album could also be called, “Carestini, il castrato", in the fashion of the award–winning film on contemporary and rival castrato Farinelli. Indeed, the programme pays a tribute to the famous 18th century Italian castrato (circa 1705 — circa 1759) for whom Handel composed Arianna in Creta. Carestini’s qualities were thus summarised at the time: “His voice was at first a beautiful and clear soprano, which afterwards changed into the fullest, finest and deepest counter-tenor that has perhaps ever been heard… Carestini’s person was tall, beautiful and majestic…. It was the opinion of Haase, as well as of many other eminent professors, that whoever had not heard Carestini was unacquainted with the most perfect style of singing." Who else but Philippe Jaroussky could today bring to life the beauty of Carestini’s voice? Each of his recitals bring his wonderful qualities to the fore, be it in the beauty of his voice, or his intelligent musicianship. This album will be a block buster and stir, centuries later, the public’s taste for beauty and virtuosity, as was the case at the time of the famous castrato to whom Philippe pays homage. To accompany him, the firmly established Baroque conductor, of now international repute, Emmanuelle Haim, and her ensemble Le Concert d’Astrée.
Tracks:
Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) - Siface: Tu che d'ardire m'attendi
Giovanni Maria Capelli (1648-1726) - I fratelli riconosciuti: Ciel nemico
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
-Alcina: Mi lusinga
-Arianna in Creta: Ove son ... Qui ti sfido
-Ariodante: Scherza, infida
-Alcina: Sta nell'ircana
Leonardo Leo (1694-1744) - Farnace: Se mi dai morte
Johann Adolf Hasse (1699-1783)
-La clemenza di Tito: Se mai senti
-Vo disperato
Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) - Demofoonte: Sperai vicino il lido
Carl Heinrich Graun (1703-1759)
-Orfeo: Mio bel nieme
-In mirar la mia sventura
