Customer Reviews

Monteverdi - L'Orfeo / Rolfe Johnson, Dawson, von Otter, Argenta, M. Nichols, Tomlinson, Chance, Baird; Gardiner

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording of the four or five out there that I know of stands out for its common sense: Orpheus was the (semi)god of music, Monteverdi's character was a tenor, therefore the title role must be sung by not only a first-class singer, but by a voice that is its own presence. Such a singer is Anthony Rolfe-Johnson. His legato singing touches the heart and his coloratura thrills the ear. Mr. Rolfe-Johnson's drammatic clarity fulfils all the duties of the role, beautifully. The rest of the cast is hardly less inspired. As La Musica we have a young Lynne Dawson (1987) whose voice, while might have become more interesting with age, was prettier, then. The largely underwritten role of Eurydice is sung adequately by Julianne Baird while Diana Montague (Prosperina), Williard White (Pluto) and Nigel Robson (Apollo) give us some lesser but still "divine" interpretations. Yet let us not forget the dazzling work of J.E. Gardiner who understood the importance of "free play" in the instrumental parts, who refused to be bound by what has been salvaged of an eroded score and allowed both players and singers to feel their way through the music with remarkable freedom that never falls into decadent ornamentation. Bravo.

This recording of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo is truly a spectacular work. I didn't really care for Baroque opera before I heard this. But now Monteverdi is my favorite operatic composer. Not only is the music beautiful but the singers are absolutely stunning. Anthony Rolfe Johnson is absolutely perfect for the title role. His soft yet clear tenor voice shows the passion and the emotion that Orfeo has for Eurydice. Lynne Dawson who sings La Musica has a good voice for introducing the opera. Anne Sofie von Otter who plays Messaggiera, has such a sorrowful and sad voice for her role which makes it all the more better. But the absolute best singer on this recording is John Tomlinson who sings Caronte or the Charon. John Tomlinson is also the voice of the Commendatore in the movie Amadeus. But his deep bass makes you wonder if its at all possible to get past him. But that's not the best part of the opera. The best part about the whole recording is the choir. All the choruses are to die for, especially the chorus "Lasicate i monti." It almost makes one want to dance. But I definitely reccommend this recording to all Baroque opera lovers, even for those who don't like opera.

Gardiner, again shows his skill with baroque vocal works. This, regarded as the first great Opera, is still one of the best. The pure singing style of the late renaissance/early Baroque is siblime and very different from Post Baroque opera writing most people are use to. The Aria 'Possente spirto' is 8 minutes of heavenly singing in Hades; here Orfeo fails to convince Charon to allow him entry to Hades, but this is one of the single most beautiful pieces of writing for voice I have ever heard.

MONTEVERDI'S MUSIC SUPERBLY PERFORMED UNDER GARDINER'S EXPERT GUIDANCE.
Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo" is considered to be the first masterpiece in the history of opera. Prior to this a handful of works by pioneers of the genre such as Peri, Cavalieri and Caccini explored the possibilities of the newly developed 'musical speech' as it were.

'Orfeo' was first performed at the Mantuan court in 1607. A unique aspect of this opera is its wealth of information about the use of the 'continuo orchestra'. It is this combination- the human voice of Orfeo and the 'heavenly hope' which accompanies him -that established opera as an art form that continues to favor us today.

The story of Orfeo goes on through many and varied composers who add and subtract details from the original ideas, but it retains the basic framework.

This opera in performance is begun by the character "La Musica", or music personified ,who delivers a long treatise which in essence proclaims how music can do many things to us emotionally. As this "fable of music" (Monteverdi called it) unfolds we are exposed to the whole gamut of human emotions,from the most euphoric to the most dejected,presented in musical language that is perhaps closer to impassioned speech than recitative has ever been, before or since.

The fact that Monteverdi's L'Orfeo has been referred to as the "first true opera in the history of music" has much to do with the fact that Monteverdi had the dramatic ability to synthesize the text, the stage and the music. And it was a favourable time historically and musically to do so. Moreover, he gave very specific directions as to how it would be put together.

And what better musician to record it than John Eliot Gardiner? He has gathered together a wonderful group of soloists in every role; although some parts are small each contribution is perfection which makes for a superb offering to the listener!In addition, I think the Choral singing was so superior to some other recordings past and present. If you are an early music fan these discs will be truly "music to your ears".

I am not a big fan of Gardiner when it comes to some music, for instance Bach. I just think others do it better. However, Gardiner is a fine conductor of Monteverdi and this recording shows it. If you are not familiar with Baroque opera and want to find out how a first rate crew of performers sound with a major work of early opera, this is a great recording with which to start!

I cannot add anything more to what the previous reviewer has written, other than to say that it is simply beautiful. I received this as a Christmas present and have been unable to listen to anything else. It is mesmerizing.

Monteverdi - L'Orfeo / Rolfe Johnson, Dawson, von Otter, Argenta, M. Nichols, Tomlinson, Chance, Baird; Gardiner is a splenid recording with the Monteverdi Choir, The English Baroque Soloist and His Majesties Sagbutts & Cornetts under the guidance of John Elliot Gardiner. Archiv Prouktion have done a great job with the sound quality and it truly sounds as if one is hearing this in person. The book-let is of a very high quality and one must say that Gardiner picked some amazing singers (Willard White and Ann Sofie Von Otter). The book-let is a massiv 124 pages long and is filled with many fine photographs, an excellent essay written Gardiner and the complete lyrics. This is a recording not to be missed. 5 well deserved stars.

No other performance in the market
today is as good as this one,a breath-taking
disc. The true Monteverdi experience......

There are quite a few recordings of Monteverdi's first opera now available, however, I still feel that this is one of the strongest. The cast is very at home in this repertoire and various instrumental groups make very stylish contributions to the recording. Anthony Rolfe Johnson is a fine Orpheus. John Eliot Gardiner's interpretation is natural, well paced and expressive.

Gardiner's recording of L'Orfeo is exquisite. The samples of different tracks as well as other listeners' reviews were very influential in my decision to purchase these CDs rather than a different recording of the opera. I am very happy with my new CDs and would highly recommend this product.