Search - George Frideric Handel, Reinhard Goebel, Anne Sofie von Otter :: Marian Cantatas & Arias

Outstanding!

Izolda | North Haven, CT United States | 03/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my desert island discs! It deserves a classical status among the recordings of Handel's music. But not only Handel's: the longest work on this CD, a magnificent cantata previously attributed to Handel ("Giunta l'ora fatal"), has been written by Giovanni Battista Ferrandini, an Italian composer at the court of Munich. Ferrandini has been identified as a composer of this work quite recently (the booklet refers to a publication from 1994, where the details of the discovery are presented). As Reinhard Goebel writes in his notes for the booklet, the "chain of evidence... is convincing - and needs to be, because Ferrandini's other known works are no more than mediocre" (p. 8). This cantata is certainly not a mediocre work and the fact that it had been misattributed to Handel tells a lot about its qualities. The disc contains three works by Handel, a cantata "Donna, che in ciel di tanta luce splendi" being the longest and most impressive one. Its 'da capo' aria "Tu sei la bella serena stella" will melt anybody's heart: I have always wondered why it isn't better known. It is such a beautiful song. I cannot find adequate words of praise for Anne Sofie von Otter's singing! This CD, bought years ago, was my first real encouter with von Otter's art and a real eye - or ear - opener (I bought it for Handel and ... a beautiful cover featuring magnificent Madonna by Piero della Francesca). If you know her last year's "Lamenti", this earlier (1994) release - also made with Musica Antiqua Koeln under R. Goebel - is a must: these both records go wonderfully together. For many, this CD's main attraction will be its rarely performed music (as it was for me), music that certainly is worth exploring. An outstanding release in every respect! A real treasure..."

A great CD!!

Katrine Imerslund (katrine.imerslun | Norway | 07/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is definately one of my CD favorites!! Anne Sofie von Otter sings beautifully, full of warmth and espression. The orchestra underlines her emotion and helps making the message in Händel's music solid. The whole performance is magnificent! Also, this music is an undiscovered pearl, showing the great senserity of Händel as a young composer. The music is far less sweeter than his later works, his operas etc.. The lyrics are strong, portraying Mary as a fullblooded human being, revealing emotions much more direct than most sacred music of today. This is deffenitely a CD well worth having!!!!"