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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Vivaldi: Prima Donna
Considered one of the rare authentic alto voices of our time, singer Nathalie Stutzmann also devotes part of her career to conducting, which she studied with two exceptional masters: Jorma Panula (who trained Sir Simon Rattle in particular) and Seiji Ozawa. With the founding of the Orfeo 55 ensemble in 2009, a lifelong dream of Nathalie Stutzmann's came true: having her own chamber orchestra. Devoted to Antonio Vivaldi, Prima Donna is the first disc where Nathalie Stutzmann holds the twin roles of singer and conductor. In an era when the public acclaimed castrati, Vivaldi the nonconformist preferred the fascinating timbre of female contralti to whom he accorded a place of honour in his operas. With Prima Donna, Nathalie Stutzmann brilliantly illustrates this historic originality by bringing together the most beautiful arias, either famous or unrecorded, that Vivaldi composed for these adored singers. Nathalie Stutzmann conducts Orfeo 55 with the musical rigour, expressive freedom and emotional intensity that are hallmarks of her reputation as a singer. “Once heard, never forgotten, Stutzmann's dark, coppery contralto has an androgynous quality. Fiery and icy, her expressive nuances are varied but never excessive. She is also a proficient conductor: singer and players breathe as one.” BBC Music Magazine, November 2011 ***** “Stutzmann's honest musicianship, the superb playing of her ensemble and the well-chosen light and shade of the programme combine to make a exceptional recital.” Classic FM Magazine, September 2011 ***** “her intelligent command of Orfeo 55 brings taut and vibrant results...It is Stutzmann's matchless singing that makes this disc...[She] realises them all with a sombre beauty of tone that melts the heart and an emotional focus that commands the attention...this is a must-have not just for Vivaldi fans but for anyone with a taste for Baroque vocal music performed at the highest level.” Gramophone Magazine, September 2011 “Stutzmann is particularly delightful in the da capo [of 'Lascia almen che ti consequi'], in which she reduces her tone to such an intimate level that one feels she should be singing it in private. She eases her voice in long, smooth phrases through the tranquil 'Sovvente il sole' from the serenata Andromeda liberata, an illustration of her control...The recording of both voice and orchestra is first-rate, contributing greatly to a rewarding selection of music.” International Record Review, July/August 2011 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Heroes - Vivaldi Opera Arias
“[His] expressive, agile and technically superb voice, combined with his excellent communication and stage skills, marks him out as a singer to watch” Early Music Review | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Daniel Hope plays Vivaldi
Daniel Hope’s second album for DG finds him reunited with the esteemed Chamber Orchestra of Europe for their third partnership in the recording studio. Hope made his DG debut with Mendelssohn; he now turns his attention to Vivaldi with a selection of the composer’s greatest violin concertos. When presented by passionate, energetic performers this music is guaranteed to provide an uplifting and entertaining listening experience. Hope and his band play on modern instruments, but in period style, a method they previously perfected in their acclaimed recording of Bach concertos (Warner). This recording attracted a remarkable amount of critical acclaim: “Modern-instrument Bach may not be fashionable, but these alert, fresh accounts of much-recorded concertos have all the zing and brio we expect from period ensembles.” (The Sunday Times) Replace Bach with Vivaldi and the above quote anticipates what will be next. Vivacity and humour combine with Vivaldi’s timeless appeal for a best-selling formula. “In these concertos Daniel Hope reveals himself as an ardent Vivaldian. …with dynamic playing that pays more than lip-service to the example provided by historically informed performances.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2009 **** “Hope and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe play… with the clarity and ensemble precision of a top-class Baroque orchestra… Hope's obviously relish for Vivaldi's stiller moments brings memorable results… guest soloist Anne Sofie von Otter catches the mood superbly.” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2008 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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BBC Music Magazine Awards 2012
Gramophone Magazine