Iestyn Davies, the acclaimed countertenor, presents a captivating journey through the world of Baroque opera with his album "Arias for Guadagni: The First Modern Castrato." Released on Hyperion in 2012, this collection showcases Davies' remarkable vocal range and versatility, spanning a variety of roles and compositions from the 18th century.
The album features a diverse selection of arias from operas by Handel, including excerpts from "Saul," "Theodora," "The Choice of Hercules," and "Belshazzar," as well as works by other composers such as "Didone abbandonata" by Niccolò Jommelli and "Alfred" by Thomas Arne. Each piece is meticulously performed, highlighting Davies' ability to convey the depth and nuance of these historic characters.
In addition to the operatic arias, the album also includes instrumental pieces, such as the Sinfonia in D Major by Handel, adding a rich musical backdrop to the vocal performances. The album concludes with a poignant aria from Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice," demonstrating Davies' ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his singing.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, "Arias for Guadagni: The First Modern Castrato" offers a comprehensive exploration of the Baroque opera repertoire, showcasing Iestyn Davies' exceptional talent and artistry. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a delightful and enriching listening experience.
Theodora, HWV 68, Act I: No. 9, Aria. The Raptur'd Soul (Didymus)George Frideric Handel, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: No. 15, Air. Yet, Can I Hear That Dulcet Lay (Hercules)George Frideric Handel, Arcangelo, Iestyn Davies, Jonathan Cohen
Belshazzar, HWV 61, Act III: Aria. Destructive War, Thy Limits Know (Cyrus)George Frideric Handel, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo, Iestyn Davies
Didone abbandonata, Act I: No. 19a, Accompagnato. Ah che dissi! (Enea)Johann Adolf Hasse, Jonathan Cohen, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo
Didone abbandonata, Act I: No. 19b, Aria. Se resto sul lido (Enea)Johann Adolf Hasse, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo, Iestyn Davies
Didone abbandonata, Act III: No. 8a, Fanfare & Recit. Odi colà la frigia tromba? (Enea)Johann Adolf Hasse, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Didone abbandonata, Act III: No. 8b, Aria. A trionfar mi chiama (Enea)Johann Adolf Hasse, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo, Iestyn Davies
The Fairies: Air. Say, Lovely Dream!John Christopher Smith, Jonathan Cohen, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo
Alfred, Act II: Aria. Vengeance, O Come Inspire Me!Thomas Arne, Iestyn Davies, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Sinfonia in D Major, H. 663: I. Allegro di moltoCarl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Sinfonia in D Major, H. 663: II. LargoCarl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Sinfonia in D Major, H. 663: III. PrestoCarl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Telemaco, Wq. 34, Act II: Aria. Ah! non turbi il mio riposo (Telemaco)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Jonathan Cohen, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30, Act II: Ballo. Dance of the Blessed SpiritsChristoph Willibald Gluck, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30, Act II: Arioso. Che puro ciel! (Orfeo)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo, Iestyn Davies
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30, Act III: Recit. Ahimè! Dove trascorsi? (Orfeo)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Iestyn Davies
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30, Act III: Aria. Che farò senza Euridice? (Orfeo)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Jonathan Cohen, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo
Aria. Pensa a serbarmi, o caraGaetano Guadagni, Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
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