Jennifer Lane - Handel: Fury, With Red Sparkling Eyes - Dramatic Arias (1998)

This was the disc that introduced me to Jennifer Lane's voice, since when I have become something of an addict. She modestly writes, "...I had always had certain unusual qualities in my voice..." It is a voice that is made for Handel, a wonderful mix of molten chocolate and crisp incision. I have rarely heard such perfect coloratura and fioriture in a lower voice. She brings even to such as the well-known aria from Rinaldo, 'Lascia ch'io pianga, a freshness of interpretation that delights and surprises. The recitatives are given equal care. In the first excerpt from Alexander Balus, her words "...let us rush upon the guileful foe, that he may feel the fury of affronted majesty..." had so much ire, nobility and feeling that the hair stood up on the neck. Whilst the power and virtuosity of Ms Lane's voice thrill in the brighter, triumphant arie on the CD, the warmth and depth of her tone are seen to especial effect in the more sombre and crepuscular selections, such as the languishing, "Deh fate, o giusti numi.." from Muzio Scevola. I recommend this CD to every lover of Handel - and if you have been 'put off' by lesser artists, try Jennifer Lane - you will not be disappointed!