Immerse yourself in the rich baroque soundscape of Antonio Cesti's "Cavalli: Xerse," a captivating opera that has stood the test of time. Released in 1986 under the Harmonia Mundi label, this three-and-a-half-hour masterpiece is a testament to Cesti's musical genius and his significant contribution to the Baroque era.
"Cavalli: Xerse" is a dramatic opera that unfolds over three acts, each filled with intricate arias and recitatives that showcase the depth and range of Cesti's compositional prowess. The opera is a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, with a complex plot that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The libretto, attributed to Nicolò Minato, is a masterclass in storytelling, with its rich characters and compelling narrative.
The album features a stellar cast of singers, each bringing their unique voice and interpretation to their respective roles. The performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with each singer delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of their character. The orchestral accompaniment is equally impressive, with the musicians expertly navigating the complex and intricate score.
This album is not just a collection of songs, but a complete opera experience. The recording quality is excellent, with each note and nuance clearly captured. The album's duration may seem daunting, but the music is so engaging that it's easy to lose track of time.
Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Cavalli: Xerse" is an album that deserves your attention. It's a stunning example of Baroque opera at its finest, and a testament to the enduring power of Cesti's music. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of "Cavalli: Xerse" transport you to a world of drama, passion, and intrigue.
1986 harmonia mundi s.a.1986 harmonia mundi s.a.
Tracks
Orontea, Prologue: OuvertureFrancesco Cavalli, Jean Nirouet, Dominique Visse, Agnès Mellon, Guy De Mey, Jill Feldman
L'Orontea, Acte I Scènes 1 - 2: "Rimanti amica pianta" (Xerces) - "Tutti dormiano ancor dell'Alba" (Elurio, Arsamene, Romilda, Adelanta)Antonio Cesti, John Elwes, René Jacobs, Richard Wistreich
L'Orontea, Act I: scenes 3 à 6Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jill Feldman, Isabelle Poulenard, Guy De Mey, Dominique Visse, René Jacobs, Jeffrey Gall
L'Orontea, Act I: scenes 6 à 9Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jill Feldman, Dominique Visse, Guy De Mey, Jeffrey Gall, Isabelle Poulenard, René Jacobs
L'Orontea, Act I: scenes 10 & 11Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, John Elwes, Judith Nelson, Richard Wistreich
L'Orontea, Act I: scenes 12 à 14Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Richard Wistreich, René Jacobs, John Elwes, Judith Nelson, Guy De Mey
L'Orontea, Act I: scenes 15 & 16Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Richard Wistreich, Judith Nelson, Agnès Mellon
Xerse, Acte I Scène 17: Recitativo & Aria "Innamorato cor" (Arsamene)Francesco Cavalli, Jeffrey Gall, Concerto Vocale, Dominique Visse, René Jacobs
L'Orontea, Act I: scenes 18 à 20Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Isabelle Poulenard, Agnès Mellon, John Elwes, Jill Feldman
L'Orontea, Act II: scenes 1 à 4Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Judith Nelson, René Jacobs, Dominique Visse, Agnès Mellon, Guy De Mey, Jill Feldman
L'Orontea, Act II: scenes 4 & 5Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Isabelle Poulenard, René Jacobs, Jill Feldman, Guy De Mey
L'Orontea: Acte II Scène 6Antonio Cesti, Judith Nelson, Richard Wistreich
L'Orontea: Acte II Scène 7Antonio Cesti, Dominique Visse, Jeffrey Gall
L'Orontea, Act II: scenes 8 à 10Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jeffrey Gall, René Jacobs, Guy De Mey, Jill Feldman
L'Orontea, Act II: scene 11Antonio Cesti, Dominique Visse
L'Orontea, Act II: scenes 12 à 14Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, René Jacobs, Judith Nelson, Isabelle Poulenard, François Fauche
L'Orontea, Act II: scene 15Antonio Cesti, Dominique Visse, Agnès Mellon
L'Orontea, Act II: scene 15aFrancesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jill Feldman
L'Orontea, Act II: scenes 16 à 18Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Richard Wistreich, Jean Nirouet, René Jacobs, Judith Nelson
L'Orontea, Act II: scenes 19 & 20Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, François Fauche, Jean Nirouet, Guy De Mey, Agnès Mellon, John Elwes, Jill Feldman, René Jacobs, Isabelle Poulenard
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 1 à 4Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jill Feldman, Jeffrey Gall, Isabelle Poulenard, Dominique Visse, René Jacobs
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 5 & 6Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, René Jacobs, Jean Nirouet, Guy De Mey, John Elwes
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 7 & 8Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Isabelle Poulenard, Agnès Mellon, Guy De Mey, René Jacobs
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 9 & 10Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Dominique Visse, Isabelle Poulenard, Agnès Mellon, Judith Nelson
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 11 à 13Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jeffrey Gall, Judith Nelson, John Elwes, Isabelle Poulenard
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 14 à 17Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Richard Wistreich, Agnès Mellon, René Jacobs, Jean Nirouet, John Elwes
L'Orontea, Act III: scene 18Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Jill Feldman
L'Orontea, Act III: scenes 19 & 20Francesco Cavalli, Antonio Cesti, Isabelle Poulenard, Jeffrey Gall, Judith Nelson, Jill Feldman, René Jacobs, Richard Wistreich, John Elwes, Jean Nirouet