Mozart: Durch Zärtlichkeit und Schmeicheln (from Die Entführung aus dem Serail)

In her second recording as an exclusive Virgin Classics artist Diana Damrau interprets concert and operatic arias by Mozart in a programme which displays her virtuosity and impressive vocal range.

Indeed Diana Damrau’s new recital shows she can sing practically all of Mozart’s notably varied soprano roles – ranging from the bravura (Donna Anna, Konstanze, Donna Elvira…) via the more serious (Pamina) to the lighter soprano (generally soubrette roles such as Susanna, Blonde…).

From her first recording everyone noted her outstanding Queen of the Night – here she is Pamina (in New York’s Met last Fall, Diana Damrau alternated the two roles with brio). She is also Susanna and the Contessa (Le Nozze di Figaro), Konstanze and Blonde (Die Entführung), Donna Anna and Elvira (Don Giovanni), Servilia and Vitellia (La Clemenza di Tito), pairing major soprano roles within the operas, and concert arias.

As for her first recital, ‘Arie di bravura’, French conductor Jérémie Rhorer, who is rapidly gaining international recognition, directs his French period-instrument ensemble Le Cercle de l’Harmonie

In Mozart’s day it was quite common practice to adapt popular opera melodies for dancing or in the home. In this way the success of an opera was reflected just as nowadays a recording of highlights is an indicator of popularity.

Six arias were selected for this recording from the numerous opera arrangements for flute instruments – three are from the 'Magic Flute' and three from the 'Entführung aus dem Serail'. Preference was given to the arias which are either thematically connected to the flute (Wie stark ist nicht dein Zauberton / Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja) or which seem to be particularly suited to the flute and guitar in character.

The CD is completed by Fernando Carulli’s arrangement of Mozart’s Quartet K478 and by Matteo Carcassi’s 'Air des Mysteres d’lsis' variations modelled on the choral passage 'Was klinget so herrlich' from the finale of the first act of 'Zauberflöte'.