George Petrou - Händel: Oreste (2004)
Artist: George Petrou
Title: Händel: Oreste
Year Of Release: 2004
Label: Md&G Records
Genre: Classical
Quality: FLAC (image + .cue, log, scans)
Total Time: 2:25:30
Total Size: 651 MB
WebSite: Album Preview
Title: Händel: Oreste
Year Of Release: 2004
Label: Md&G Records
Genre: Classical
Quality: FLAC (image + .cue, log, scans)
Total Time: 2:25:30
Total Size: 651 MB
WebSite: Album Preview
Ever the recycler, Handel cobbled together Oreste from parts of pre-existing scores for his 1734 season at Covent Garden. The work promptly disappeared from the repertory for the next 250 years -- a fact that is both understandable, given that it's a less convincing result than his fully original operas, and a shame, since Handel's table scraps are still amongst the most entertaining morsels from the period. The present recording, by George Petrou, the Camerata Stuttgart, and a cast of mostly Greek singers, is its first complete performance on CD and an admirably realized production, characterized by polished, stylish singing and vivid orchestral playing. In style, sound, and dramatic pacing, Petrou's effort distinguishes itself as a fine entry in the Handelian opera catalog, and makes a compelling argument for the musical value of the piece itself.
Mary-Ellen Nesi handles the wide ranging castrato title role with gusto and dramatic conviction. Mata Katsuli brings an ethereal purity to her performance as Ifigenia, and Nicholas Spanos' unusually well-focused and legitimate countertenor voice, although sometimes lacking in presence, has a pleasingly brilliant upper range and a lively tone quality that makes his elegant treatment of Handel's style sound even more exemplary. Antonis Koroneos' countertenor is not as special in quality, but capable of greater force and dramatic expressivity in the role of Pilade. Petros Magoulas' robust performance as Toante is appropriately regal, gaining gruff character from occasional roughness in his upper register. The vigorous coloratura of Ermione's opening "Dite pace e fulminate" is not flattering to soprano Maria Mitsopoulou, but she recovers nicely for "Vola l'augello" in Act II; Ermione is certainly among Handel's more demanding soprano roles. Petrou's conducting is well measured and cohesive, and especially notable for its rhythmic vitality. This recording is a must-hear for Handelian aficianados. ~ Allen Schrott
Mary-Ellen Nesi handles the wide ranging castrato title role with gusto and dramatic conviction. Mata Katsuli brings an ethereal purity to her performance as Ifigenia, and Nicholas Spanos' unusually well-focused and legitimate countertenor voice, although sometimes lacking in presence, has a pleasingly brilliant upper range and a lively tone quality that makes his elegant treatment of Handel's style sound even more exemplary. Antonis Koroneos' countertenor is not as special in quality, but capable of greater force and dramatic expressivity in the role of Pilade. Petros Magoulas' robust performance as Toante is appropriately regal, gaining gruff character from occasional roughness in his upper register. The vigorous coloratura of Ermione's opening "Dite pace e fulminate" is not flattering to soprano Maria Mitsopoulou, but she recovers nicely for "Vola l'augello" in Act II; Ermione is certainly among Handel's more demanding soprano roles. Petrou's conducting is well measured and cohesive, and especially notable for its rhythmic vitality. This recording is a must-hear for Handelian aficianados. ~ Allen Schrott
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