Search - Egidio Duni, Pietro Metastasio, Carlo Broschi, George Frideric Handel Geminiano Giacomelli, Johann Adolf Hasse, Attilio Riosti,Giovanni Battista Pergoresi Riccardo Broschi :: Aris Christofellis - Farinelli et son temps "Quel usignuolo" / Ensemble Seicentonovecento · Flavio Colusso

Virtuosic splendour from a truly rare voice

01/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aris Christofellis, a male soprano or 'Sopraniste', sings a host of aria and recitals written by various composers for the now long-lost Castrati of a magical and bygone era.Aris, possessing an incredible technique which allows him to encompass several octaves in his singing, whilst excercising delicious ornamentation, takes one into an unusual state of being as one experiences beautifully-sung pieces by a man who sings androgynously - with the high range of a woman and then down into the baritone terrirories.Probably one of the most affecting experiences in music one can have, besides hearing the equally mesmorising and transporting voice of Randall Wong, another Sopraniste with virtuosic ability.... Get it!!!!!!!!! (If you love the unconventional/extraordinary)Justin"

Excellent period performance

Mezzo Soprano | 01/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD will be best appreciated by those who admire the 'authentic performance movement' in baroque music. Christofellis's voice isn't what I call beautiful, but their is no denying that his ability is extraordinary, if not bizarre. The highlight for me is the sublime 'Lieto cosi tal volta' from Pergolesi's little-known opera Adriano in Siria and I recommend buying the CD for this aria alone. Christofellis is also a musicologist and it is interesting to hear an informed take on musical issues such as ornamentation. Anyone wondering what the castrati may have sounded like can get a pretty good idea from this recording. A unique and unusual CD."

Wonderful repertoire!

Christian V. Pampinella | Bloomington, IN | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aris' voice is an acquired taste. In fact, most listeners will not enjoy listening to him sing. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, this does not detract much from the enjoyment of these performances. As another reviewer has already mentioned, Aris is also a musicologist, and his expertise is apparent in every detail of the three most recent recordings he has made for EMI with Colusso. Their musicianship is impeccable, as are their decisions regarding taste, ornamentation, tempi, and orchestration. This is a demonstrative and instructive recording for anyone curious about how to sing stylishly and accurately in the bel canto style. Many of Aris' decisions regarding performance practice and ornamentation are easily and directly verified in original sources, and his ambitious accuracy must be applauded, as these are very well executed performances."