Handel: Riccardo Primo / Rousset [Box set]

George Frideric Handel (Composer), Christophe Rousset (Conductor), Les Talens Lyriques (Orchestra), Sara Mingardo (Performer), Sandrine Piau (Performer), Olivier Lallouette (Performer), Roberto Scaltriti (Performer), Claire Brua (Performer), Pascal Bertin (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Sara Mingardo, Sandrine Piau, Olivier Lallouette, Roberto Scaltriti, Claire Brua, et al.
• Orchestra: Les Talens Lyriques
• Conductor: Christophe Rousset
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Audio CD (January 28, 1997)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: L'Oiseau-Lyre (Decca)
• ASIN: B000004CYN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,554 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Riccardo Primo, ré d'Inghilterra is based on an historic event, the marriage of Richard Lionheart to Princess Berengaria of Navarre, on Cyprus during the Third Crusade--but from there it spins off into fantasy. Much of this music will sound vaguely familiar--Handel was a pioneer of recycling. There is fine singing here from Sara Mingardo as the title character, the Costanza of Sandrine Piau and Claire Brua as Pulcheria; the last sounds very mezzo-like in her vocal color, her billing as a soprano notwithstanding. Roberto Scaltriti's dark bass-baritone is a joy to hear, but countertenor Pascal Bertin is very hard on the ear when he sings a long aria--and they're all long. Conductor Christophe Rousset leads his forces idiomatically and with splendid verve. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars neglected masterpiece, December 23, 2007

By 

MDK "MDK" (NJ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Handel: Riccardo Primo / Rousset (Audio CD)

After hearing and studying this opera, I am at a loss of words. The fact that this opera, and particularly this recording, has been out of print for so long is a crime against the humanities. This is a first rate Handel opera. Every note is a masterpiece.

The performance under Christophe Rousset is brilliant. Recording quality is excellent. The soloists are an all star cast that live up to their reputations.

Just listen to the duet "T'amo, Si!" with Sara Mingardo and Sandrine Piau ending act 2. This music is superhuman in beauty and the singing is unreal.

A new recording of Riccardo Primo is scheduled for release soon with Paul Goodwin. The Rousset version will be difficult to top.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Handel!, January 22, 2012

By 

Meredith - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handel: Riccardo Primo / Rousset (Audio CD)

I've been somewhat systematically listening to all my Handel opera recordings lately, and after the first half dozen or so this is the one I find most satisfying overall. Great opera, great recording -- quintessential Handel! Too bad it is not available now -- they should reissue it.