One of the many highlights of this fascinating album includes a duet from Giuseppe De Bottis’ “Mitilene, regina delle amazzoni” (1707) with Cecilia Bartoli as the second mezzo-soprano. Accompanied by a single violin and continuo, it remarkably resembles arias by J.S. Bach and Handel which came later, and surprisingly, as the booklet states, is a debut recording – as about half of the works here.
Yannis François, the program creator, tells in the booklet that he was surprised to find a substantial repertoire specifically on the subject of amazons, and that it perfectly suited mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre’s voice and fluency in Italian and French. Mezzo-Soprano? Judging from the aria “Lieti fiori, erbe odorose” from De Bottis’ same opera (track 21), Desandre’s voice has the color of a soprano, the same way that, say, Maria Callas could possess a sound quality of a mezzo.
It’s been a while since I’ve heard a singer play a scene on record this well, projecting to the listener the characters’ mood and emotional range without being viewed on stage. Desandre can sing lyrically and dramatically equally well, and meets every technical challenge of Vivaldi’s difficult “Ercole sul Termodonte” (tracks 23-25).
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In a world of track-by-track streaming and single releases, this is a perfect example of why the classical album still works as a concept; The themed program is elegantly planned to hear in one sit, with a combination of calm next to dramatic works. Vocal and instrumental performances are cleverly alternated throughout.
Jupiter, a warm yet intimate ensemble of around 14 players led by lutist Thomas Dunford, gives a superb accompaniment and shines in the instrumental tracks, showing the same ability to change character as Desandre. With a combination of a fascinating program, many debut recordings, technical assurance, and emotional depth, not to mention a clean and perfectly balanced recording, this is a tremendously enjoyable release.
Amazone
Lea Desandre – Mezzo-Soprano
Erato, CD 9029506584
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