Star soprano Simone Kermes has been hailed by Opera News as "The Queen of Baroque.” This CD presents her singing arias by Handel composed for his star soprano Francesca Cuzzoni. The release features two world premiere recordings of the alternate ‘Rodelinda’ arias.
"Kermes's performances give nothing but pleasure." Gramophone
George Frideric Handel: Scipione, HWV 20
Scipione Rolli, HWV 20, Act II: Scoglio d'immota fronte
George Frideric Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17
Act II: Aria: V'adoro, pupille
Act III: Piangero la sorte mia
Act II: Se pieta di me non senti
George Frideric Handel: Alessandro, HWV 21
Alessandro, HWV 21, Act I: No, piu soffrir non voglio
George Frideric Handel: Rodelinda, HWV 19
Act I: Ombre piante, urne funeste
Act III: Ahi perche, giusto ciel
George Frideric Handel: Siroe, re di Persia, HWV 24
Act II: Or mi perdo di speranza
Act II: Mi lagnero tacendo
Act III: Torrente cresciuto
George Frideric Handel: Tolomeo, HWV 25
Tolomeo, HWV 25, Act I: Fonti amiche
George Frideric Handel: Flavio, re di Longobardi, HWV 16
Flavio, re di Longobardi, HWV 16, Act I: Amante stravagante
George Frideric Handel: Riccardo Primo, HWV 23
Riccardo Primo, Act III: Morte vieni
George Frideric Handel: Admeto, HWV 22
Admeto, HWV 22: Io ti bacio
July 2009
*****
“Her dizzying bravura in this selection of arias is breathtaking; she’s not afraid to take risks or sacrifice beautiful sound to create dramatic colour and interest when needed. Her limpid, expressive high notes are cushioned by the splendid Lautten Compagney.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
Scipione Rolli, HWV 20, Act II: Scoglio d'immota fronte