Customer Reviews

Emma Kirkby - Handel Opera Arias / Goodman, Brandenburg Consort

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Emma Kirkby's first album of seldom-performed Handel arias and overtures is brilliantly put together and executed. This has to be some of Handel's most difficult and virtuosic music--and Roy Goodman certainly doesn't pull any punches with tempos, particularly in the aria from "Almira," which is taken so fast that even Kirkby, with her legendary vocal agility, has to work to keep up. But she does, and it comes off wonderfully. The only other recording of this aria that I have heard is about half as fast, and even then the soprano has difficulty wheezing through it. The slower arias are performed well, but it is in the more uptempo selections (and there are plenty) that Kirkby shines brightest.

One of my favorite singers, and certainly for baroque, is Emma Kirkby. She is certainly unparalleled in this, her element.

This album, so sadly, I see, has now gone out of print. It has long been one of my favorite albums. I frequently put it on when I do not have time to listen to a complete Handel opera, but can feed my desire for his work, with these many excerpts, interspersed with instrumental selections from his operas, as well by the Baroque Consort, Roy Goodman at the helm.

Goodman seems to be a greatly underrated, unappreciated conductor...but NOT in MY book! Like so many others, he sort of "sits" just on the outside of truly popular recognition, which I do not understand.

Anyway, if you are able, get yourself a copy of this album, and thrill to some of the greatest vocalization of Handel's music you have ever heard.

Particularly, "Vedrai sa' tuo despetto", "Ah Spietato", Ombre, piante", and "Vo' far guerra"......you're gonna love this album, and be blown away with Kirkby's pyrotechnics! I bet you'll always keep it within handy reach! ~operabruin

Emma Kirkby - Handel Opera Arias / Goodman, Brandenburg Consort is a recording under the direction of Roy Goodman who leads the Brandenburg Consort on this Hyperion Records Limited recording from 1999. The booklet contains roughly 30 pages. It contains well-written linernotes by Anthony Hicks. It also contains short biographies of the conductor, and the star of the recording Emma Kirkby. Emma Kirkby has an amazing voice and she verily sounds like an angel. Highly recommended. 5/5.