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<<  -- 2 --  Maria Nockin    ARIAS FOR FARINELLI

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In a completely different mood, the second aria from Idaspe, 'Quel guerriero in campo armato' [listen -- track 3, 0:27-1:27], is a showpiece of the utmost difficulty designed to exhibit the phenomenal abilities of the composer's brother. It seems, also, to be a perfect fit for Genaux who tosses off its tricky intervals with ease.

'Mancare Dio mi sento', on track 4, is an excerpt from Adriano in Siria by Geminiano Giacomelli (c1692-1740), a well known maestro di capella who served in the cathedrals of Parma, Piacenza and Loreto. The aria builds gradually, unfolding with exquisite phrasing by both singer and orchestra.

Tracks 5, 6 and 7 provide us with an instrumental showpiece [listen -- track 5, 0:01-0:56] by Baldassare Galuppi (1706-1785), who was the maestro di cappella at St Mark's Cathedral in Venice for many years. René Jacobs has a well schooled group of virtuosi in the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and it is only fair that they be given a chance to exhibit their skills as the main attraction at some point. Their artistry comes to the forefront in the translucent orchestration of this piece and the level of their playing leaves no doubt that, along with their conductor, they contribute a great deal the success of this CD.

The track 8 aria, 'Dolci freschi aurette', from Porpora's Polifemo was written when the composer was in London competing for audiences with Handel, and it is one of his most inventive pieces. After a dramatic recitative which Genaux sings with some interesting vocal color, the aria is as light and as refreshing as a cool breeze. Again the ornamentation chosen by René Jacobs for the mezzo is refined but spectacular and its execution is close to perfection.

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Copyright © 16 October 2002 Maria Nockin, Arizona, USA

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