Charles Medlam, Nigel Rogers, London Baroque, Chiaroscuro - Claudio Monteverdi: L'Orfeo (1984)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 436 Mb | Total time: 47:36+56:32 | Scans included
Classical | Label: EMI Classics | # CDC 7 47142 2 | Recorded: 1983
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 436 Mb | Total time: 47:36+56:32 | Scans included
Classical | Label: EMI Classics | # CDC 7 47142 2 | Recorded: 1983
This recording of Monteverdi's retelling of the Orpheus legend may not be as fine overall as John Eliot Gardiner's, but it has much to recommend it. Nigel Rogers was the first great modern Monteverdi tenor: he made this record after his prime, but his virtuoso passage-work and stylish ornaments should be required listening for every student of the role. The cast, chorus, and orchestra give solid, if occasionally reserved, performances (though Guillemette Laurens is a shrill Messenger). The best singing of the entire record is (perhaps unfortunately) at the beginning: Emma Kirkby's sweet voice, imaginative embellishment, and eloquent delivery as Music result in absolutely the best rendition of the Prologue on record.