One of the most beautiful countertenor voices of all time!
Ludwig Van Beet | 11/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ian Howell sings with a warm and seamless tone rarely heard from countertenors. Praised by the New York Times for his "clear voice and attractive timbre" and San Francisco Classical Voice for his "flawless singing," Mr. Howell took First Prize at the American Bach Soloists 2006 International Young Artists Competition with an acclaimed performance of Bach's Cantata BWV 170, "Vergnügte Ruh," and his performance of that work on this debut CD is impeccable. No wonder...he's perfectly at home in the recording studio having performed with the all male chamber choir Chanticleer on one DVD and seven CDs. The instrumental soloists in the Bach (Debra Nagy on oboe d'amore and organist Corey Jamason) couldn't be more adept, and both Ian Howell and the strings of the American Bach Soloists directed by Jeffrey Thomas sound exquisite in Domenico Scarlatti's "Salve Regina."
This CD - a clever combination of beautiful repertoire from the three great composers all born in 1685 (D. Scarlatti, Bach, and Handel) - captures the warmth of Howell's extraordinary timbre and the gorgeous sounds of Thomas' period instrument orchestra. But what will knock you out are the performances of five arias from Handel's operas and one aria from the oratorio, "Saul," an astonishingly beautiful rendition of "O Lord, whose mercies numberless." Howell's phenomenal control of breath and phrasing make this tender aria all the more heavenly. And Howell's high note at the end of "Ombra am fu" from "Serse" will bring tears to your eyes.
Everyone who has heard this CD agrees that Howell's singing, the American Bach Soloists' playing, and Thomas' conducting have set new standards for Baroque music recordings. You'll love this CD and you'll play it over and over again!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1