"To mark the 400th birthday of this masterpiece, 2 outstanding period ensembles have presented their L'Orfeo: Monteverdi: L'Orfeo by Concerto Italiano / Alessandrini, and the current set by Ensemble La Venexiana / Cavina. As of 2008, this is a limited and numbered edition, containing 1 book and 2 CDs. The beautiful hardbound book is edited by Stefano Russomanno, who also writes for La Venexiana's Monteverdi madrigal cycle. It contains a collection of essays on Monteverdi's L'Orfeo: it's mythological roots, the composition's context, its performance today, as well as the complete libretto in Italian and in English.
I haven't had the chance to listen to Alessandrini's performance, but the current set with Ensemble La Venexiana and Cavina is simply outstanding. Claudio Cavina does not pick any extreme tempo, and has very few quirky choices. (Notable exception includes some rubato to the upbeats to the ritornelli in Act II.) The instrumental playing gives a raw, rustic feeling. The "sparse" instrumental accompaniment adds to the expressiveness, and blends well with the solo singing. Guadagnini as Orfeo might not have a voice as distinctive as A. Rolfe Johnson or Nigel Rogers, but he delivers the role with dedication and insight. His Orfeo has a baritonal-like color, and is both tender and vivace, whenever called upon. The same high standard is maintained for the rest of the cast. Standouts include Emanuela Galli as La Musica, Marina de Liso as Messenger and Salvo Vitale as Caronte.
This new release goes straight to the top of my list of favorite recordings of L'Orfeo. And I think it will make your list too. The excellent recorded sound greatly adds to the enjoyment. In fact, don't take my words for it. This set has just won the 2008 Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal. A deserving winner!
Let me say again that this is a limited and numbered edition. So get it before the last of 3099 copies is gone.
Most highly recommended.
Addendum: You might want to read another review by "Person" below in conjunction with the current one."
Favola in Musica
Person | hmm | 11/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This version sets itself apart from the long list of amazing performances in two obvious ways...
First of all, more than any other version I've heard, La Venexiana sing the Recitative with a freedom that is surpassed by no other group, a freedom that is fettered only by the emotional-rhetorical content of the text. This great achievement requires a continuo group that are truly, remarkably good continuo-players. The Chittarone-playing in this group is the best you will hear on any recording, with deep, thwacking diapasons a real treat; you should buy this recording for the theorbo sound alone if you are a lutenist or luteophile.
Secondly, the sound of the instrumental ensemble sets this recording in a new and exciting level. I hear none of the overly polished, somewhat dry playing that one often hears in Monteverdi, and which is often described as 'pastoral'. The group has kept every single quaver alive and colourful, not a single ritornello is without a distinctive colour that sets it apart from the last. Overal, the sound is more colourful, and somewhat more rough-edged, than one ussually hears. The only group with a more colourful sound is Savall's. In Venexiana's version, a rich and colourful ensemble sound is given, while still maintaining the intimacy of a small and close group, something that is lost when modern performers record on an operatic stage (for which l'Orfeo was not intended)... With its more intimate recording-setting, La Venexiana keeps a great connection and balance between singers and accompanying continuo-players, which I miss in J.E.G's version.
Highlights are of course, Rosa del Ciel, and the harping in 'Posente Spirto' - only Andrew Lawrence King plays a more inspired harp, in Savall's version. The only downside for me is the quircky idea of using extreme tempo-changes in the most dancy, foot-stomping piece of the whole opera, '... Boschi ambrosi'.
Well-worth adding to your collection as the perfect counter balance to the inspired but somewhat over-polished sound of Gardiner's. Or to complement Savall's ultra-colourful sonorities... buy now."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1