Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina [Import]

George Frideric Handel (Artist), Andreas Scholl (Artist), Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 13, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
• ASIN: B00000IL49
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,938 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #88 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Historical Periods > Baroque (c.1600-1750)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly great voice- don't listen to self-labled "experts", February 26, 2004

By 

Larry D. Rodriguez (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina (Audio CD)

After reading though the reviews of a few of the Andreas Scholl recital discs, I have come to the conclusion that most of the negative reviews originate from people who think they are "the" experts on Baroque music. They label his voice too "innocent", "precious", "bland", and "cold." They praise David Daniels, who in my opinion has a muddled middle register, and messy coloratura. Yes, maybe Daniels can be more dramatic and interpretive- I have seen/heard him in the title role of Giulio Cesare, at Houston Grand Opera. But, then again, I have also seen/heard Susan Graham as Ariodante, which was 100 times a more powerful, dramatic performance.

I differ from many of my American counterparts in that I think the quality and beauty of the voice can be enough in and of itself. Perhaps this is why, for example, I adore Joan Sutherland. She may have had the acting ability of an armchair, but she redeemed herself with truly glorious singing, leaving a legacy few sopranos today can even hope to match.

Having said all that (thanks for hearing me out!), I would encourage anyone, expert or novice, to buy this CD. Perhaps there a few more instrumental tracks that one would want, but overall, Harmonia Mundi had a great idea in mind. If you want to hear nothing but Scholl, you can buy The Voice, which I also highly recommend.

One of my personal favorites is his interpretation of Va, Tacito, from Giulio Cesare. Just listen to the variations he includes in the last repeat of the da capo aria. To say that I was enraptured would be an understatement. Another great selection is Fronde Tenere/Ombra Mai Fu. Instead of trying to "ham it up", he just sings it with beauty and clarity, with an amazing upper register. These two are just a few of what are a series of highlights.

Aside from the beauty of his singing, another great thing about Scholl is how comfortable he is in the lower register. He flirts with it, on occasion, and the first time you hear it, your jaw will drop. He defies the stereotype of the womanish, effeminate countertenor!

Bravissimo, Scholl. You're the only countertenor for me.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant voice, eclectic selection, May 30, 2002

By 

Tina Morris "schultheiss" (Rockville, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina (Audio CD)

Andreas Scholl's angelic voice once again shines in this album with arias from seven different Handel operas written at the peak of the composers productive career. Only Julius Cesar is one of the more frequently performed ones in this selection, so we gain insight into rarely performed treasures from Alexander's Feast, Radamisto, Serse and others. The selection is beautiful and the Academy of Ancient music Berlin does a wonderful job in orchestrating the pieces. This album is another gem that no Scholl and baroque music afficionado should miss out on

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite recordings!, May 29, 1999

By 

MOVIE MAVEN (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina (Audio CD)

I am not a fan of the "sound of a countertenor or male alto." I stumbled upon this recording & cannot stop listening to it and recommending it to friends. Scholl's voice is not "plummy" but strong and vibrant and filled with colors. I would love to see and hear him in person-perhaps an opera if this is where he wants his career to go. I am a fan & have just purchased 3 more of his cd's.