Credits:

Rheinberger / Tomadin / Polifonico

Description:

A superpowerful disc celebrating the Handel Year! The intelligent and graceful soprano Christine Schaeffer dispelled any doubts that she was not a baroque singer when she sang the wonderful title role in "Alcina" at the Drottningholm Court Theatre's Summer Music Festival. She dispelled any doubts that she is not a baroque singer. Now she has created this new recording together with the Berlin Baroque Soloists, the leading orchestra in Berlin's ancient music performance scene. Bernhard Falk carefully studied the score before embarking on this project. The recording was very fresh and exciting, according to leader Rainer Kussmaul. The suite is as diverse as the arias, but the highlight of this CD is Schaeffer's passionate singing. The image of Alcina is depicted from a sharp point of view. The sensuality of Alcina and the pain of her love are intensely audible. The six arias included here express all human emotions. Alcina is a witch who turns the men she loves into beasts. She is a beautiful representation of love, enraptured and bewitched, of intense hatred, brooding, and threatening anger.Also, an aria by Morgana, Alcina's sister, "Believe in my suffering." It also includes the aria in which Morgana sings to Orontes, begging for forgiveness. A fitting piece for the Handel Year. [Comments courtesy of King International.]