CD and Other Review

Review: Arias for Benucci (Matthew Rose, Arcangelo/Jonathan Cohen)

Editor’s Choice, Jan/Feb 2016 – Opera Francesco Benucci was the star singer of Vienna’s Italian Opera Buffa Company, founded in 1783, and was renowned for his splendid vocalism and good taste – novel qualities for most exponents of the buffa style. He placed musical values first and foremost, characterising roles with elegance and sophisticated wit without descending into vulgar comic shtick. Mozart was delighted by his portrayal of the title role in Le Nozze di Figaro during those nine niggardly Viennese performances before its runaway success in Prague. Benucci later played Leporello when Don Giovanni was revived in 1788 and Mozart whipped up a special comic duet for him and the Zerlina. Hyperion here continues its smart “Arias for…” thematic programming with this tribute to Benucci and has wisely chosen Matthew Rose to convincingly channel the spirit of the original. His dark but nimble tone is ideal for this repertoire, yet not overweight making it fit well within the scale of Jonathan Cohen’s period direction. His musicanship is impeccable, but most importantly he sings ‘on the words’ with subtle changes of colour and emphasis so that the expression is carried across to us with no need for the visuals.  At…

February 9, 2016
features

Lunar landing goes baroque

With Voyage to the Moon, Michael Gow has made something new out of something old along with the late, great Alan Curtis. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

February 3, 2016