Track Listings (24) - Disc #1| All Artists: George Frideric Handel, Andreas Scholl, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin Title: Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr. Release Date: 4/13/1999 Album Type: Import Genre: Classical Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750), Symphonies Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 794881464128 |
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Search - George Frideric Handel, Andreas Scholl, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin :: Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina
 | George Frideric Handel, Andreas Scholl, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina Genre: Classical
No more making allowances for countertenors--now the best of the breed have voices as rich and as varied as those of any other range. Exhibit A: Gramophone cover boy Andreas Scholl. Unlike David Daniels and Brian Asawa, ... more » |
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Amazon.com No more making allowances for countertenors--now the best of the breed have voices as rich and as varied as those of any other range. Exhibit A: Gramophone cover boy Andreas Scholl. Unlike David Daniels and Brian Asawa, who made their splash on the opera stage, Scholl became famous as a concert and oratorio singer. He doesn't sing with Daniels's temperament and fire; along with a certain equanimity, he has a round, pleasing sound and a vibrato that's attractive but never intrusive. For his first operatic recording, Scholl chose his music wisely: rather than tempest arias or bursts of martial fury, he gives us long, beautifully shaped melody in the title aria and the famous "Verdi prati." He's at his delightful best in the "birdsong" and "hunting" arias from Giulio Cesare: the clean coloratura, detailed phrasing, and imaginative embellishment are reminiscent of Emma Kirkby in her prime. The instrumental soloists in those arias (violin and horn, respectively) are equally fine, as is the entire period-instrument orchestra. However, nearly half of the playing time on this disc is instrumental music--that seems rather much for a recording marketed as a showcase for a hot young singer. (The much-recorded concerto grosso "Alexander's Feast" in particular seems superfluous.) With that caveat in mind, this impressive disc won't disappoint. --Matthew Westphal Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsA truly great voice- don't listen to self-labled "experts" Larry D. Rodriguez | Houston, TX | 02/26/2004 (5 out of 5 stars) "After reading though the reviews of a few of the Andreas Scholl recital discs, I have come to the conclusion that most of the negative reviews originate from people who think they are "the" experts on Baroque music. They label his voice too "innocent", "precious", "bland", and "cold." They praise David Daniels, who in my opinion has a muddled middle register, and messy coloratura. Yes, maybe Daniels can be more dramatic and interpretive- I have seen/heard him in the title role of Giulio Cesare, at Houston Grand Opera. But, then again, I have also seen/heard Susan Graham as Ariodante, which was 100 times a more powerful, dramatic performance.I differ from many of my American counterparts in that I think the quality and beauty of the voice can be enough in and of itself. Perhaps this is why, for example, I adore Joan Sutherland. She may have had the acting ability of an armchair, but she redeemed herself with truly glorious singing, leaving a legacy few sopranos today can even hope to match.Having said all that (thanks for hearing me out!), I would encourage anyone, expert or novice, to buy this CD. Perhaps there a few more instrumental tracks that one would want, but overall, Harmonia Mundi had a great idea in mind. If you want to hear nothing but Scholl, you can buy The Voice, which I also highly recommend.One of my personal favorites is his interpretation of Va, Tacito, from Giulio Cesare. Just listen to the variations he includes in the last repeat of the da capo aria. To say that I was enraptured would be an understatement. Another great selection is Fronde Tenere/Ombra Mai Fu. Instead of trying to "ham it up", he just sings it with beauty and clarity, with an amazing upper register. These two are just a few of what are a series of highlights.Aside from the beauty of his singing, another great thing about Scholl is how comfortable he is in the lower register. He flirts with it, on occasion, and the first time you hear it, your jaw will drop. He defies the stereotype of the womanish, effeminate countertenor!Bravissimo, Scholl. You're the only countertenor for me." Scholl is a true star material gks5q@virginia.edu | 05/14/1999 (5 out of 5 stars) "Andreas Scholl is a very talented performer whose singing is marked by quality and consistency that will surely earn him a place in history. Giving him anything less than five stars is unfair. His Ombra mai fu, showcased on this recording, literally mesmerized the house at the recent EMI anniversary gala, causing a major label war for his allegiance (he did switch labels). Tastes may differ, but he deserves to be heard! This recording also includes instrumental pieces." One of my favorite recordings! MOVIE MAVEN | New York, NY USA | 05/30/1999 (5 out of 5 stars) "I am not a fan of the "sound of a countertenor or male alto." I stumbled upon this recording & cannot stop listening to it and recommending it to friends. Scholl's voice is not "plummy" but strong and vibrant and filled with colors. I would love to see and hear him in person-perhaps an opera if this is where he wants his career to go. I am a fan & have just purchased 3 more of his cd's."
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