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<< -- 2 -- Maria Nockin ARIAS FOR FARINELLI
In a completely different mood, the second aria from Idaspe, 'Quel
guerriero in campo armato' [listen -- track 3, 0:27-1:27],
is a showpiece of the utmost difficulty designed to exhibit the phenomenal
abilities of the composer's brother. It seems, also, to be a perfect fit
for Genaux who tosses off its tricky intervals with ease.
'Mancare Dio mi sento', on track 4, is an excerpt from Adriano in
Siria by Geminiano Giacomelli (c1692-1740), a well known maestro
di capella who served in the cathedrals of Parma, Piacenza and Loreto.
The aria builds gradually, unfolding with exquisite phrasing by both singer
and orchestra.
Tracks 5, 6 and 7 provide us with an instrumental showpiece [listen -- track 5, 0:01-0:56] by Baldassare Galuppi (1706-1785),
who was the maestro di cappella at St Mark's Cathedral in Venice
for many years. René Jacobs has a well schooled group of virtuosi
in the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and it is only fair that they
be given a chance to exhibit their skills as the main attraction at some
point. Their artistry comes to the forefront in the translucent orchestration
of this piece and the level of their playing leaves no doubt that, along
with their conductor, they contribute a great deal the success of this CD.
The track 8 aria, 'Dolci freschi aurette', from Porpora's Polifemo
was written when the composer was in London competing for audiences with
Handel, and it is one of his most inventive pieces. After a dramatic recitative
which Genaux sings with some interesting vocal color, the aria is as light
and as refreshing as a cool breeze. Again the ornamentation chosen by René
Jacobs for the mezzo is refined but spectacular and its execution is close
to perfection.
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Copyright © 16 October 2002
Maria Nockin, Arizona, USA
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