Fifty years ago, the idea of “The Five Countertenors” would have been Alfred Deller, John Whitworth, Russell Oberlin and, err… Even 30 years ago a quintet of such voices would have likely encapsulated half of the known suspects. Nowadays, however, the countertenor seems almost as common as the next voice-type, its superstars are fêted on world stages and their fans are becoming as opinionated as those of rival divas from way back when. The beauty of Decca’s latest recital disc, though, is not just the presence of five of today’s finest guys who sing high, it’s an opportunity to explore repertoire in a programme where most of us would probably only be familiar with the two Handel arias (and those not that common either). Comparisons are odious as they say so I’ll begin at the beginning with Romanian-born German countertenor Valer Sabadus (pictured above) who gets a couple of stonkers: Jommelli’s catchy Spezza lo stral piagato from Tito Manlio and a superbly dark, theatrically intense aria from Gluck’s Demetrio. His silky smooth voice is high (but not the highest here) and his tone deliciously plangent. The Catalan Xavier Sabata is probably the lowest voice and the finest dramatist in the…
August 13, 2015
With nine new productions, three contemporary Aussie works, a Ring Cycle and Dame Julie – what’s not to like? Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
August 10, 2015
As I write, the final volume has been issued and Koopman’s latest labour of love has been completed. The job lot on 29 discs has simultaneously been released in a Buxtehude box (which of course is annoying for those of us who have meticulously collected over many years), but if you just want to dip your toe into the Master of Lübeck’s oeuvre you could do worse than pick up a single disc such as this and give it a whirl. Nothing in the series has been quite so revelatory for me as the unfailingly tuneful vocal works, most of which rarely emerge on disc. This volume comprises the usual mix of arias, cantatas and vocal-concertos, but focuses on the composer’s legendary ‘Abendmusik’ series designed to present religious texts outside of the context of church services as such. Highlights include the joyous Was Frag ich nach der Welt with its Alleluias bouncing along in gigue-time, a hummable Welt, Packe Dich with Dorothee Wohlgemuth and Miriam Feuersinger duetting delightfully on top, and an intricately varied Pange Lingua. Koopman’s flair for the improvisatory, attention to text and restoration of original keys makes for a highly engaging series of dramatic miniatures. His orchestral…
August 10, 2015
Sir Andrew Davis embraces the Bard while a host of starry soloists add to Melbourne’s imaginative line-up.
August 10, 2015
A short history of Chekhov’s first major dramatic work. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
August 10, 2015
McVicar brews up an excellently cast comic cauldron of sex and social politics.
August 7, 2015
The SSO’s chief conductor chats to Limelight’s Editor Clive Paget about the thrills and spills of the year ahead. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
August 3, 2015
Messiaen is mixed with Adams, Ashkenazy with Dohnányi in David Robertson’s latest eclectic cocktail.
August 3, 2015
The Polish pianist talks about growing up behind the Iron Curtain, battling with Bach and being his own worst critic.
August 3, 2015
Anderszewski, Qin and Dickson head an extraordinary musical evening.
August 2, 2015
From the ridiculous to the sublime, Townsville's 25th birthday bash is off with a bang.
July 31, 2015
Ahead of Opera Australia’s opening, the no-nonsense British director explains why Mozart matters. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
July 30, 2015