In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day.
Rolando Villazón and Gabrieli Players maestro Paul McCreesh – a Gramophone award winner for his Haydn Creation in 2008 – energize an all-Italian Handel aria program that opens the door for his fans into the marvels of the Baroque repertoire. Had Handel known and composed for Rolando’s voice, Villazón’s ardent tenor could not more perfectly realize Handel’s grand, melodic style
All admirers of the tenor voice – not just Rolando Villazón’s numerous fans – will be swept off their feet into a love affair with his heartfelt Handel
Cielo e mar has sold almost 90,000 units to date worldwide, and this surprisingly different album is the perfect follow-up
This release was launched in perfect time for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death.
Handel: Tamerlano, HWV 17 - Act 1: Ciel E Terra Armi Di Sdegno
Handel: Rodelinda - Act 3: Accompagnato: Fatto Inferno
Handel: Rodelinda - Act 3: Pastorello D'Un Povero Armento
Handel: Serse - Act 1: Frondi Tenere
Handel: Serse - Act 1: Ombra Mai Fù
Handel: Serse - Act 1: Più Che Penso Alle Fiamme Del Core
Handel: Serse - Act 3: Crude Furie Degl' Orridi
Handel: Ariodante, HWV 33 - Act 2: Scherza Infida In Grembo Al Drudo
Handel: Ariodante, HWV 33 - Act 3: Dopo Notte, Atra E Funesta
“It is splendid to hear a singer of abundant personality leaping into the suicide scene from Tamerlano with such dramatic authority. Listening to Villazón's lively rendition of Bajazet's "Ciel e terra armi di sdegno", I find myself eager to see him sing the role on stage. ...the enthusiasm seems infectious: McCreesh's Gabrieli Players have rarely sounded better and more dramatically attuned in this repertoire. This disc is zany in some ways, but offers fine rewards.”
10th April 2009
****
“Villazón sings everything with such intensity and fire that you surrender to him. His performance of Ariodante's Scherza Infida is among the most beautiful and keenly felt on disc. If he'd been around in the 18th century, Handel would probably have adored him.”
20th March 2009
***
“Villazón’s first number, one of three from Tamerlano, blasts us with a degree of bravura and sunshine rarely encountered among the regular male Baroque singers…”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.