Search - Mozart, Salieri, Raunig :: Castrato Arias & Motets

Depending on how you define a sopranist...

12/30/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very good CD. The program is well suited to Raunig's voice and his performance is very strong. What I found slightly strange, however, is the extent to which Arno Raunig's voice sounds like that of a boy soprano (rather than that of a countertenor or a woman.) Overall, however, I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes the Classical period."

Review by (female) soprano student

11/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is valuable for two reasons. Firstly, it covers rare but very worthy repertoire and secondly, it displays the curious voice of Arno Raunig. While I don't find Raunig's voice particularly beautiful, he has a very fine sopranist technique, despite a tendency to belt out top notes. The highlight of the recording is his high C! at the end of the Alleluja from Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate. He performs the arias without the preceeding recitatives, which is a shame especially since the recit. to 'Cara lontanano ancora' is so fantastic. He also avoids trills wherever possible, including the virtuosic beginning to the beforementioned aria. Nevertheless, his spectacular range, accurate intonation and energetic singing ensure this recording is a welcome addition for countertenor and opera seria fans."