Vivica Genaux, the renowned American mezzo-soprano, showcases her extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility in her album "Arias," released on September 1, 2006, under Warner Classics. This captivating collection of operatic arias spans a little over an hour and eleven minutes, featuring works by renowned composers George Frideric Handel and Johann Adolph Hasse, as well as an anonymous piece titled "La Scusa."
The album opens with a powerful performance of "Fammi combattere" from Handel's "Orlando," demonstrating Genaux's ability to convey both intensity and grace. Her interpretation of arias from Handel's "Alcina" and "Splenda l'alba in oriente" further highlights her technical skill and emotional depth. Genaux's rendition of pieces from Hasse's "Arminio" showcases her ability to navigate complex melodies with ease, while her performance of "La Scusa" offers a delightful contrast with its lighter, more playful tone.
Throughout the album, Genaux's voice shines, effortlessly transitioning between powerful, dramatic arias and delicate, lyrical pieces. Her exceptional control and expressive phrasing make each performance a unique and memorable experience. "Arias" is a testament to Vivica Genaux's artistry, offering a rich and varied exploration of the operatic repertoire that is sure to captivate and inspire.
Handel: Orlando, HWV 31, Act 1: Aria. "Fammi combattere" (Orlando)George Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Orlando, HWV 31, Act 2: Accompagnato. "Ah, Stigie larve!" (Orlando)George Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 3, Scene 3: Aria. "Sta nell'Ircana" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Splenda l'alba in oriente, HWV 166: Aria. "Splenda l'alba in oriente"George Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Splenda l'alba in oriente, HWV 166: Recitativo. "Tu, armonica Cecilia"George Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Splenda l'alba in oriente, HWV 166: Aria. "La virtute è un vero nume del mortal"George Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Hasse: Arminio, Act 1: "Ti laschio in ceppi avvinto" (Arminio)Johann Adolf Hasse, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie, Les Violons du Roy
Hasse: Arminio: Aria "Se mia speranza sola"Johann Adolf Hasse, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie
Arminio: Aria: "Vaghi rai, pupille amate"Johann Adolf Hasse, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie
La Scusa: Recitativo: No, perdonami, o CloriGeorge Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie
La Scusa: Aria: Trova un solGeorge Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie
La Scusa: Recitativo: Placati o pastorellaGeorge Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie
La Scusa: Aria: Torna in quel onda chiaraGeorge Frideric Handel, Vivica Genaux, Bernard Labadie