"Alessandro Scarlatti was both the most celebrated vocal composer of his day, and one of the most prolific to ever live. In his lifetime (1660-1725) he composed nearly 700 cantatas and 66 operas. He was also far more famous then than his son Domenico, whose harpsichord sonatas today have all but completely eclipsed his father's works.It is surprising to me that with all the recent interest in Baroque opera this recording has not become better-known. The entire cast (and Mirella Freni in particular) do a tremendous job, proving that La Griselda, Scarlatti's last and finest opera, really does deserve a place in the permanent repetoire. The entire work overflows with moments of breath-stopping beauty and resplendant melody (as in the aria da capo form that Scarlatti helped to popularize).There are a few negatives, of course. Notably, the plot lacks a certain sense of dramatic motion (which is probably Scarlatti's biggest flaw in general), but this is typical of almost all Baroque operas. Also, the recording quality isn't too great. However, it does manage to capture the beauty and warmth of the singers, which is after all (in this opera at least) what's most important.Really, at Opera d'Oro's low low price, I guarantee you will find this CD worth your money and time. Help bring this recording the attention it deserves."