Search - John Elliot Gardner / English Baroque Soloists, Nancy Argenta, Nigel Robson :: Handel: Tamerlano

A wondrous feast of Handel

Mr Richard Fitzsimmons | Scotland | 08/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This live recording from the late 1980s is one of the most atmospheric of Handel recordings, and probably one of the best that John Eliot Gardiner has made thus far.



Handel's Tamerlano, one of the triumvirate of outstanding operas from the mid 1720s (alongside Giulio Cesare and Rodelinda), has been recorded three times since the late 70s, but this is probably the best. Malgoire's recording made a hash of the libretto and had an order that made little sense as to the performance Handel would have recognised. There are problems with the more recent recording of Trevor Pinnock for the same reasons and, although Gardiner's is not the definitive recording either, it comfortably out-does its rivals.



The main plus point here is some wonderful singing from Derek Lee Ragin (Tamerlano) and Michael Chance (Andronico) in the two alto castrato roles. For Handel buffs, this cd set sees only the second recording, so far as I know, of the only duet Handel wrote for castrato 'Coronata di giglie e di rose'. Their wonderful interplay and ornamentation is spectacular.



Nancy Argenta as Asteria comfortably outsings her rivals on disc, as does Jane Findlay as Irene. Where the recording is inferior to its rivals is in the choice of Nigel Robson as Bajazet. Whilst he is stylish, musical and convincing as the Turkish emperor, nevertheless the singing lacks depth of emotion and conviction. Thomas Randle for Pinnock is more convincing here, though he has been accused of 'barking' his way through the role.



All of that said, if you want a first introduction to Handel opera, don't let the price or length of the opera put you off. Any serious Handelian will want this in their collection. Highly recommended. This item is still available in Europe.



"

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 03/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A TWISTED TRAGEDY TO BE SURE; BUT SUNG SO WELL I WANTED MORE!



George Frederic Handel, born a German, died an Englishman, became by a curious paradox of history to be one of the greatest composers of Italian opera. Having conquered London as early as 1711, with his 'Rinaldo', he went on to delight London audiences with more of the same. In 1724 he gained complete control of their affections by his two great masterpieces : 'Guilio Cesare'and 'Tamerlano'.



First performed at the Royal Academy in the Haymarket on October 31,1724, 'Tamerlano' is exceptional in the line-up of Handel's works, in that he rejects some of the conventions which were part of the Italian opera tradition. For example, the libretto is based on a well documented historical event, rather than on ancient history or mythology. The arias are of less importance than the recitatives, which blend 'secco', accompaniment and fragments of highly charged, violently expressed arioso. This technique is very well illustrated in the long monologue where Bajazet dies in an almost demented outburst of curses and lamentations. Though the violence of Handel's discourse occasionally interrupts the flow of this perfectly balanced and refined music, there always comes a moment when melody claims its due. And this is really the clearest sign of Handel's genius: the ability to blend dramatic intensity with the pleasure of a voice raising itself above the artifices of the theatre.



One of Handel's greatest - and darkest - operas, 'Tamerlano' tells of the captivity of the Ottoman emperor, Bajazet(Nigel Robson), at the hands of the Tartar ruler, Tamberlaine(Derek Ragin), and subsequent suicide. A clash of opera 'seria' titans, with no weak numbers and scarcely a moment of ligth relief. there are no compimario servants to make fun of their 'mentors' predicaments, the good guy namely Andronicus (Michael Chance) is somewhat apathetic, the damsel in distress namely Asteria (Nancy Argenta) tries to save herself alone during the whole opera and even tries to get rid of the tyrant Tamerlaine with her own hands (twice), not to mention almost everyone threatens suicide until someone (Bajazet) finally does it.



All you lovers of the countertenor voice, track down this recording for it has 2 of the BEST countertenor voices you will ever hear anywhere. Chance was early in his career (1985) when this recording was made,and he sings this role with the expertise of a seasoned performer, and all with that uniquely 'golden' voice. Derek Ragin is a good contrast to Chance, because he sings with more vibrato and more ornamentation in his role. The other singers are equally accomplished; I especially liked Nigel Robson's performance as Bajazet; it was powerfully and skillfilly done. Nancy Argenta sings in her usual manner, which is quite good, for her ability to convey the role shines through. I have to say that I personally preferred the voice of Jane Findlay who was quite exciting in her role as Irene, Tamerlaine's betrothed (just a personal preference).



This story has been done many times throughout the centuries; most recently by Fabio Biondi producing 'Bajazet' with another excellent countertenor playing the role of Bajazet: David Daniels. This opera Tamerlano is an incredible listening experience!!!!!"