On a real high after seeing Vivaldi's Orlando Furioso at the Barbican with the acclaimed Ensemble Matheus and their crack team of soloists (Cangemí, Jaroussky, Lemieux). Some of you will remember their late-nighter at the Proms, and I'd been looking forward to this ever since.
Jaroussky was magnificent in 'Sol da Te, mio Dolce Amore' and 'Come l'Onda', as was Lemieux in 'Nel Profondo' and Cangemí in 'Chiara al Pari di Lucida Stella'. I found Lemieux mainly riveting, though perhaps slightly too relentlessly OTT, in her enactment of Orlando's madness. There were no major weaknesses, and Franziska Gottwald did a fine job as a late substitute in the role of Alcina (standing in for Jennifer Larmore no less). Ensemble Matheus are just outstanding, and the double bass continuo leader was a particular star on this occasion. The second half does eventually begin to drag a bit, but there is so much good drama, music and singing that I must look out for other Vivaldi operas.
So exhilarated afterwards I almost considered buying the CD and getting Jaroussky's autograph on it, but then saw the size of the queue...
Did any other punters go?
Jaroussky was magnificent in 'Sol da Te, mio Dolce Amore' and 'Come l'Onda', as was Lemieux in 'Nel Profondo' and Cangemí in 'Chiara al Pari di Lucida Stella'. I found Lemieux mainly riveting, though perhaps slightly too relentlessly OTT, in her enactment of Orlando's madness. There were no major weaknesses, and Franziska Gottwald did a fine job as a late substitute in the role of Alcina (standing in for Jennifer Larmore no less). Ensemble Matheus are just outstanding, and the double bass continuo leader was a particular star on this occasion. The second half does eventually begin to drag a bit, but there is so much good drama, music and singing that I must look out for other Vivaldi operas.
So exhilarated afterwards I almost considered buying the CD and getting Jaroussky's autograph on it, but then saw the size of the queue...
Did any other punters go?
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