Vivaldi: L'incoronazione di Dario - CD

ENGLISH

The Incoronazione di Dario, composed in 1717, is the Vivaldi Edition's sixteenth opera and its 53rd release. It marks the halfway point in a bold en-terprise launched by Naive in 2000 - the recording of the 450 works in Vivaldi's personal library. In the footsteps of the Mozart and Bach revivals thirty years ago, this is the most ambitious re-cording project of the century.<br /> As far as drive, colour and dramma are concerned, L'Incoronazione di Dario must be considered one of Vivaldi's most successful operas. Immediately opening with exceptional arias, it moves on at a rapid pace, holding the listener's attention throughout with an imaginative use of variety and colours. Recitativi are interspersed with arioso interludes, the viola da gam-ba adds an air of pathos to several stunning numbers, and several duos and a trio add variety. There no less than eight arias which are sure to join the ranks of "Vivaldi's best opera arias".<br /> An excellent cast acts out this drama with conviction. Anders Dahlin's exquisite tenor voice, sings the star-role of Dario, with impeccable intonation and stun-ning coloratura passages. Sara Mingardo, playing the dark role of Statira, brings to the role great depth and beauty, most especially in her solo Cantata in act II which she sings to the sole accompaniment of a viola da gamba. Delphine Galou sings with an impressive natural ability and passion and two of her arias in particular are sure to remain exemplary for years to come, D'un bel viso and Ferri, ceppi, sangue, morte. Roberta Mameli, Riccardo Novaro, Sophia Solovey and Lucia Cirillo are all excellent and each of them has at least one star aria.<br /> Ottavio Dantone's conducting is marked by his ability to bring out the many subtilties in this music and by his profound understanding of recitativos which he is able to bring fully to life as theatre.