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BIS-2645
Originally recorded in March 2023
Classical
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About
For his second recital album for BIS, countertenor and sopranist Nicolò Balducci, ‘a singer of a remarkably sweet sound and distinct vocal agility’ (Gramophone), presents arias that evoke love and pain, two basic ingredients of Italian opera in the 18th century. Often tailor-made for specific singers who were in some cases the foremost castrati from that era such as the legendary Farinelli, these arias expressed resolute valour, unbridled fury and sometimes extreme guilt, to the delight of audiences that enjoyed these operas with their far-fetched narratives inspired by mythology or historical events. For this album, Nicolò Balducci is accompanied by the Baroque Academy Gothenburg Symphony under the direction of renowned recorder player Dan Laurin. Together, they perform well-known arias by Handel, from Vivaldi’s long neglected operas, as well as by lesser-known composers such as Riccardo Broschi (Farinelli’s brother) and Egidio Duni.
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Reviews
Interpretation *** Sound Quality **** Repertoire Value *** Booklet ****
“… the highlights are the 'Sol da te' from Vivaldi's 'Orlando furioso', which also becomes a magical moment, and the final 'Sento in seno' from Vivaldi's 'Tieteberga', in which Balducci uses elegance, clarity and beauty of tone wins the hearts of the listeners. You look forward to more.”
“… He [Balducci] is exceptionally fine. His technique is impressive and his tonal color appealing. He is especially impressive in the more dramatic and agitated arias, particularly in his splendid coloratura singing of ‘Crude Furie degl’ Orridi Abissi’ from Serse and ‘Nel Profondo Ciesco Mondo’ from Orlando Furioso… Dan Laurin and the players supply a wonderfully rich instrumental sound both in accompanying Bakducci…”
“… Balducci is on fine form. His crystalline timbre is satisfyingly shaped into unrippled streams of vibrato-less legato, Balducci conjures delightful contrasts, and the athleticism of his coloratura is enviable…”
Performance **** Recording ****
“…The flexibility and assertiveness of his singing is best heard in excitable arias featuring storms or revenge…That said one of the best tracks here is Handel's superb aria for Cleopatra, 'Se pietà di me non senti'…this is Balducci at his most fluent, expressive and compelling…”
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