Search - Antonio Vivaldi, Paolo Faldi, Orchestra Barocca di Bologna :: Angelo Manzotti - Vivaldi Opera Aria (Arie d'opera)

An interesting interpretation ...

Mr Richard Fitzsimmons | Scotland | 08/04/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Italian sopranist Angelo Manzotti's recitals in the past have often been characterised by a wish to show off his voice with inappropriate cadenzas, as well as questionable ornamentation, whilst claiming to be trying to show the best of baroque bel canto technique. This recital is no exception, consisting of 10 arias from different Vivaldi operas, many of them only now being recorded fully for the first time. So, he is to be commended for bringing some gems to notice, though others, notably Cecilia Bartoli and Marilyn Horne have already recorded one or two (Nel profundo cieco mondo, and agitate da due venti come to mind), and sung them better.



Manzotti's voice has a huge range, as befits a singer whose previous records have included tributes to Farinelli and the castrati who sang for Handel, but it does not always have accuracy of intonation nor pitch. The integration of the registers is also lacking, and so his voice sounds curiously disjointed. Listeners who want to hear a quality sopranist at work would be better advised to try out Philippe Jaroussky or Randal Wong.



The sound is ok on this TACTUS release, as is the accompaniment from the Bologna Baroque Orchestra, though a more defined bass line might be appreciated. There are a number of short orchestral movements from Teuzzone and Il Tamerlano that fill in what is a generous length CD at 75 minutes. Releases such as this one are to be encouraged until Vivaldi's operas receive the sort of acclaim that has recently been the case with Handel.



"

Colleratura as they should be: not just a gimmick ....

P. R. | Netherlands | 05/02/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very nice CD for people wanting to get familiar with the castrato sound and with the famous fire work colleratura Baroque in general and Vivaldi in particular is known for.



THe most heard of criticism is that the sopranisto (or counter tenor for that matter) cannot compete with the (natural) skills /agility of -most referred to- mezzo soprano's. People tend to prove their point with pointing to the griselda aria and comparing it to most notedly the version of Cecilia Bartoli. Yes Brtoli has more speed, but is actually performing the almost same collaratura over and over again. Manzotti proves it to be more than just a neat trick and actually uses different collaratura's with different colors and different expressions. Thus making it very exciting to listen to.



The only minus is that sound of the orchestra is not very pronounciated (sorry of that is not correct english).. not like eg Fabio Bondi would do it :-) But overall a hugely enjoyable record with great singing



"