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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Handelian cracker, 28 Jun 2003
Sigiswald Kuijken’s 1979 recording of Partenope (re-issued on CD in 1990) is the only version currently available on general commercial release of this classic Handelian opera. There is one other recording by McGegan available, but only to members of the Goettingen Handel Society, so far. Whilst Handel opera recordings have concentrated on the ‘big 6’ – Giulio Cesare, Tamerlano, Rodelinda, Ariodante, Alcina and Serse – operas such as Partenope bear serious comparison with these acknowledged classics of opera seria. It has proved very popular on the stage in both Germany and USA, and it is high time that a more –up-to-date production was recorded. That is not to say that the present set is in any way ‘bad’ or ‘useless’. Whilst the singers are full engaged in their parts, and La Petite Bande under Kuijken more than holds its own with more modern ‘authentic’ orchestras, it has to be said that countertenors have come a long way since Rene Jacobs and John York-Skinner created the roles of Arsace and Armindo in the late 1970s. They, along with luminaries such as James Bowman, Paul Esswood and Charles Brett did much to introduce the idea of countertenors in the operatic roles that we take for granted these days, but the power, flexibility and intonation of this voice has developed considerably in the intervening decades. Christina Laki as Partenope and Helga Molinari as Rosmira more than hold their own with current 18th century soprano specialists, whilst Martyn Hill (Emilio) and Stephen Varcoe (Ormonte) perhaps lack the flexibility and depth of tome we expect from our basses and tenors in these operas. One thinks here of John Mark Ainsley and Antonio Abete for example. This is perhaps a harsh summary of what is still a very stylish and valuable historical venture. It was among the best recordings of its time and deserves a wider knowledge. One hopes that DHM will deign to release it once more so that the wonders of this opera can be enjoyed by a new generation of Handel lovers.
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~ Petros Magoulas
by Winton Dean
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