Carlo Broschi detto Farinelli: Il Quaderno dell'Imperatrice (The Empress' Notebook (1753), Vol.1)

Manzotti (Artist), Ensemble Isabella Leonarda (Artist, Performer), Maurizio Schiavo (Artist, Conductor), Carlo Broschi (Composer), Angelo Manzotti (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Ensemble Isabella Leonarda, Angelo Manzotti
• Conductor: Maurizio Schiavo
• Composer: Carlo Broschi
• Audio CD (February 24, 2009)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos of America, Inc.
• ASIN: B001OBT3JI
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #328,935 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Il Quaderno dell'Imperatrice, arias for voice & orchestra: Son qual nave

2. Il Quaderno dell'Imperatrice, arias for voice & orchestra: Io sperai

3. Il Quaderno dell'Imperatrice, arias for voice & orchestra: Ogni dì più molesto

4. Il Quaderno dell'Imperatrice, arias for voice & orchestra: Non sperar

5. Il Quaderno dell'Imperatrice, arias for voice & orchestra: Quell'usignolo

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Carlo Broschi, better known as Farinelli, who had been performed in a recent movie directed by Gérard Corbiau 'Farinelli, the Queen Voice', had easily gained great popularity and fame through the centuries just like very well known composers as Paganini, or Liszt.
His great knowledge in music was enhanced in the Neapolitan society of the 18th century which was increasingly blooming as far as Art, Music and Culture in general is concerned. Naples as cross-roads for Artists, Musicians and Intellectuals from all over Europe.
Right here the young Carlo Broschi studied at the well known singing school with Nicola Porpora, at that time a cradle of many talented Artists and in 1720 his first debut with 'Angelica and Medoro' an opera written by his teacher. Right after that performance he had been gaining increasing success and standing ovations. He started frequenting the high society of the most important European sovereigns. He had also great influence on public life of that time, by 'sponsoring' Italian music as much as possible. After such hectic life, he then retired in his residence in Bologna where he started receiving visits of very important personages. as the young Mozart and the Emperor Joseph the Second from Austria. The five Arias included in this worldpremiere release have all been composed by paying homage to Maria Teresa from Austria, the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, who has always admired and enhanced Art and Music and whose autograph is preserved at the National Library in Vienna. The five Arias you may enjoy listening to, have been forwarded to the Empress on March the 30th, 1753 and were named 'The Empress' Notebook'. These Arias are of very high value in music, since they can be considered as the spiritual testament of a real Virtuoso. Indeed Carlo Broschi Farinelli influenced many works at that time, thanks to his great personality and composing style. A legend to be still celebrated, a true lifestyle lesson.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Honest Review, July 12, 2009

By	Go for Baroque "Go for Baroque" (Denver) - See all my reviews

I hesitate to write this review; however, I feel that prospective buyers should be made aware. I shall keep this short. I sense that the singer (I have tried his previous CDs) has a passion for Baroque arias and the high male voice. If I could grant wishes, I would grant him the ability to do so well. The sad truth of the matter, however, is that he has neither the sound nor the technique to sing in this manner, regardless of the possible opinions of listeners with limited understanding or perception. The most attractive part of the CD is the portrait of Farinelli on the cover with, unfortunately, no reference as to where one may find a better image of it.

In contrast to this CD, there are some excellent countertenors, a couple of remarkable sopranists, and some rare male sopranos such as Radu Marian, whom one can hear. For excellent recorded and written information about this subject, one may access [...]