Nuria Rial is one of the leading baroque soloists and is famous for her shining, crystal clear and beautiful voice. In this album she sings, with the world famous Kammerorchester Basel, nine rarely recorded German arias by Georg Philip Telemann. They are taken from rarely performed operas by this underestimated baroque composer: "Emma and Eginhard", "Der geduldige Socrates" and "Germanicus". The aria "Komm, oh Schlaf" from the opera "Germanicus" is a world premier recording, the scores only being found a couple of years ago in Frankfurt. The disc also includes two violin concertos from which the Overtures to “Emma und Eginhard” and “Der geduldige Socrates” are taken.
“[In 'Come, o sleep, and let my cares'] the gentle, courtly tone so effortlessly sustained by Rial is elevated by the use of two flutes amid a glowing orchestral arrangement. The delightful feathery fluting of concertante recorder likewise helps animate the emotional quandary of "Hope gives me comfort"” The Telegraph, 1st December 2011
“Rial's enchanting recital with the Basel Chamber Orchestra comprises high-quality arias...the orchestral performance is beautifully poised to support Rial's serene soprano” BBC Music Magazine, March 2012 ****
“The diverse programme is selected shrewdly. 'Komm o Schlaf' (Germanicus), with plucked basso continuo, is a beguiling sleep aria ideal for Rial's intimate soft singing...Rial impresses in impassioned outbursts...and virtuoso recorder solos make a dazzling impact” Gramophone Magazine, March 2012
“the disc predominantly displays the crystalline purity of her voice and her rich seam of eloquent lyricism. Her precise and fluting upper register is the most impressive vocal attibute in evidence here...Secondly, it features a genuinely virtuoso instrumental soloist. Julia Schroder bursts on to the scene with a robustness and fiery energy the complete antithesis of Rial.” International Record Review, February 2012
