Alan Curtis, Il Complesso Barocco, Patrizia Ciofi, Joyce Di Donato - Amor e gelosia: Handel Operatic Duets (2004)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 361 Mb | Total time: 73:35 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Virgin Veritas | # 45628 | Recorded: 2003
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 361 Mb | Total time: 73:35 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Virgin Veritas | # 45628 | Recorded: 2003
The duets in his operas are the special treats, coming at climactic points – most often, two lovers' supposedly final parting, or their ultimate reunion. Try 'Io t'abbraccio', from Rodelinda, or the wonderful 'Per la porte del tormento' from Sosarme. We have several pieces from Poro, first the intense little love duet in Act 2, and later the two arias in which Poro and Cleofide swear eternal fidelity – which they fling back at each other when, in a duet we also hear, both believe themselves betrayed. Then there's the delightful little minor-key duet from Faramondo, the quarrel duet from Atalanta, the charmingly playful piece from Muzio Scevola, and the extraordinary one for the pleading Angelica and the furious, maddened Orlando. Handel's understanding of the shades and accents of love are something to marvel at.