Search - George Frideric Handel, Lorraine Hunt, Drew Minter :: Handel - Clori, Tirsi e Filemo / Hunt, Feldman, Minter; PBO, McGegan

This pastorale has a different plot: Tirsi (shepherd 1), who suspects Clori (nymph) of two-timing him, catches her red-handed with Fileno (shepherd 2). Clori, who can't choose between them, dissembles outrageously; the shepherds, fools for love both, agree to share her. Handel animates this silly plot with vivid music such as Fileno's tender love song with solo arch lute, Clori's florid birdsong aria, Tirsi's fit of jealous fury and Clori's outraged protestation of innocence (with fierce solo violin). The dramatic highlight is Clori's glowing love duet with Fileno followed by her frantic confrontation duet with Tirsi. The sweet-voiced Minter and the spirited (if occasionally shrill) Feldman make fine shepherds; Hunt's Clori combines tonal beauty and agility with so much conviction that she actually seems sympathetic. --Matthew Westphal