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Track Listings
| 1. Serse (1737): Act III, scene 11 - Crude furie (Serse) |
| 2. Teseo (1713): Act II, scene 1 - Dolce Riposo |
| 3. Teseo (1713): Act II, scene 6 - Ira, sdegni, e furore + O stringero nel sen |
| 4. Teseo (1713): Act V, scene 1 - Moriro, ma vendicata |
| 5. Giulio Cesare (1724). 1 air de Sesto: Act II, scene 6 - L'angue offeso mai riposa |
| 6. Admeto (1727), Air d'Admeto: Act I, scene 1 - Orride larve |
| 7. Act I, scene 2 - There in myrtle shades |
| 8. Semele (1744), Air de Juno: Act II, scene 1 - Hence, Iris Hence away |
| 9. Imeneo (1740), Air de Tirinto: Act II, scene 3 - Sorge nell'alma mia |
| 10. Ariodante (1734): Act II, scene 3 - Scherza Infinda (Ariodante) |
| 11. Admeto (1727), Air d'Alceste: Act II, scene 7 - Gelosia, spietala Aletto |
| 12. Act II, scene 10 - Destero dall' empia Dite |
| 13. Act II, scene 6 - Cease Ruler of the day to Rise |
| 14. Act III, scene 3 - Where shall I fly |
Product Description
Review
Fury is not a subject that many singers would choose for their first solo aria disc; it doesn't exactly promise a relaxing listen. Plus, if you were looking to be noticed, Handel arias would perhaps not be the best choice in an anniversary year when CD reviewers' desks are buckling under the weight of a thousand and one recordings of his works. However, American mezzo Joyce Didonato has scored a triumph with this performance which not only shows her phenomenal technical talent, but verily crackles with dramatic fire.
The arias are drawn from Serse, Teseo, Guilo Cesare, Admeto, Hercules, Semele, Imeneo, Ariodante, and Amadigi, so a comprehensive selection. They were recorded live with Christophe Rousset and Les Talens Lyriques at concert performances in April 2008 at Brussels' Th�âtre de la Monnaie. It needs to be said that this is no opportunistic anniversary recording; Handel's music has featured strongly in Didonato's onstage and recording career to date, including stage performances of the title roles of Alcina and Ariodante and a Barbican performance as Hercules' wife which earned her a nomination for a Laurence Olivier Award. Didonato's evident excitement for this music is evident in her note in the CD booklet, and the recording itself is stunning throughout. Technically, she can't be bettered. Her legato is exceptionally smooth, particularly notably in Ariodante's ''Scherza infida'', her colouratura is dazzling, her high notes perfect even in the heat of passion, and her dynamic range is a joy. It should go without saying that Didonato is a brilliant actress, as you don't do a disc of mad scene arias if drama isn't your forte, but it is still worth drawing attention to. Her portrayal of Dejanira's grief at the supposed death of Hercules is achingly convincing, not to mention beautiful. When anger is the prevalent emotion things become particularly exciting; as Handel's contemporary, William Congreve, once wrote, ''hell has no!fury like a woman scorned'', and Didonato spits venomous anger like there was no tomorrow. She doesn't fall shy of lending an element of harshness - almost ugliness - to her voice for the odd phrase either. All in all, a marvellous solo album debut. --Charlotte Gardner
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CD Description
Joyce DiDonato consistently earns ecstatic reviews wherever she sings. Among the world’s most charismatic performers, she is winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s Beverly Sills Award, among many other honours. Furore features Handel arias and was recorded with Les Talens Lyriques and Christophe Rousset.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Handel as you've never heard him,
By libriarsque (Texas) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Joyce DiDonato ~ Furore (Handel Opera Arias) (Audio CD)
First of all, it's impossible to articulate adequately Ms. DiDonato's talents, vocal or interpretive. Much praise has already been written, all deserved. She can do seemingly everything possible with the human voice, due to a technique that is based purely on the breath (a thing which is surprisingly more rare these days than one would like to believe), and a mind so sharply attuned to the underlying meaning of music and text, that her voice cannot but follow its demands.For those who labor under the misapprehension that Baroque music is staid and (yes, I have heard it said) passionless, give this CD a listen, and you'll realize just how wrought with human emotion this music is, if there are artists intelligent and daring enough to plumb its considerable depths. From the searing insanity of Dejaneira to the piercing poignancy of Ariodante, this wonderful collection scans the landscape of heart and mind, painted to stunning effect with the multi-coloured palette of Ms. DiDonato's voice, which is matched hue for hue by Les Talens Lyrique under the insightful baton of Christophe Rousset. I'm sure there are Baroque specialists who would quibble with some of Ms. DiDonato's embellishments; but surely no one can deny the absolute conviction with which they are executed, nor the drama they convey. As to the suitability of her voice for Handel, let me just assert that I find it refreshing to hear a full-blooded instrument with a natural, unapologetic vibrato singing this glorious music. That is not to say that Ms. DiDonato avoids straight tone--on the contrary, she uses it often, to mesmerizing effect; but is is just that: an EFFECT, not an entire school of singing. This CD should be a prize possession in any vocal music lover's collection. Buy it, and revel in Handelian sublimity.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great contribution to the Handel 250th,
By
This review is from: Joyce DiDonato ~ Furore (Handel Opera Arias) (Audio CD)
Joyce DiDonato has appeared in several recent CDs, and this first recital disc of Handel arias is further evidence of a considerable talent. Her bright mezzo coloratura voice is used to great effect in many of the arias, but she also the ability to shade her voice for some of the quieter passages, especially the introductory recits. Her breath control is magnificent; her vocal range is astounding. The only current performer who matches her is Sarah Connolly (who has recorded a similar Handel programme) and that says a lot. The programme itself is well selected, with contrasting arias: the Hercules excerpts (Tracks 13 and 14) are examples. But try Track 1 first - a remarkable piece of singing in contrasting styles that makes an excellent introduction to the CD.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Handelian fireworks,
By
This review is from: Joyce DiDonato ~ Furore (Handel Opera Arias) (Audio CD)
This was Joyce DiDonato's first recital disc and it must be reckoned an enormous success. The disc features a selection of Handel heroines, thwarted, betrayed, tortured and despairing, who give vent to their fury and anguish in a series of extraordinary arias. Some, like the opening track from "Serse" and the arias from "Semele" and "Hercules," (both particular favourites of mine) are, indeed, outpourings of fury, while others, such as the ravishing "Scherza infada," are slower and more reflective. Ms DiDonato dispatches both with equal aplomb. At times, this is high-risk singing, "singing on the edge," but it is always supremely musical and Ms DiDonato eschews the machine-gun coloratura of Italian mezzos of a similar vintage who shall remain nameless. She is an outstanding talent. The accompaniment, from Christophe Rousset and Les Talents Lyriques, is first-rate. Snap it up, especially at this bargain price!
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