The power and the glory
Classical: William Christie's vigorous retelling of Handel's Greek myth has rich resonance for today's audiences, says Anthony Holden.
Handel with care
Opera: The sixth revival of Nicholas Hytner's Xerxes is as fresh as ever, says Stephen Pritchard.
Handel/ Scarlatti/ Caldara: Arias, Bartoli/ Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble/ Minkowski
This is Cecilia Bartoli’s bad girl disc. It bears the title Opera Proibita, which means “forbidden opera” to you and me. The album cover, together with some photos in the accompanying material, shows Bartoli replicating Anita Ekberg’s famous frolic in … Continue reading
Gounod/ Mozart/ Handel/ Franck/ Bernstein, etc: Sacred Songs, Fleming/ RPO/ Delfs
These two recordings manage to encapsulate the phenomenon and the puzzle that is Renée Fleming. That the American diva has one of the most beautiful voices of our time is beyond dispute. As a result, she has become deservedly popular … Continue reading
I come to praise Caesar
Classical: A forgotten Handel turns out to be a visual treat. And even the teenage Mozart could turn out a decent tune, says George Hall.
Handel: Arias from Semele, Scipione, Orlando, Giulio Cesare, Lotario, Alexander Balus, etc, Fleming/ OAE/ Bicket
Renée Fleming has not been associated with this repertory, yet, as she explains in her notes: “Handel arias comprised the cornerstone of my undergraduate education.” Plainly, those early lessons were well learned, for her trills are flawlessly even, with other … Continue reading
Handel, Arias
Verdi | Two Hands
Classical CDs
Bach, Cantus Cölln/Junghänel; Handel water music, Brook St band; Brams & Schumann sonatas, Yehudi & Hepzibah Menuhin