Mozart: Ascanio in Alba / Chance, Feldman, Windsor, Rannion, Milner; Grimbert

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Performer), Concerto Armonico (Performer), Jacques Grimbert (Performer), Michael Chance (Artist), Rosa Mannion (Artist), Choeur de l'Université de Paris Sorbonne (Artist), Jill Feldman (Artist), Lorna Windsor (Artist), Howard Milner (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Concerto Armonico, Jacques Grimbert
• Audio CD (September 19, 1995)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B0000014BB
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #359,554 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Overture

2. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 1. Andante grazioso, che ballano le Grazie

3. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 1. Coro di geni e grazie. Di te piů amabile

4. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 1. Recitativo. Geni, grazie ed amori

5. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 1. Aria. L'ombre de'rami tuoi

6. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 1. Recitativo. Ma la ninfa gentil

7. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 1. Coro di geni e grazie. Di te piů amabile

8. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 2. Recitativo. Perchč tacer degg'io?

9. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 2. Aria. Cara, lontano ancora

10. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 3. Coro di pastori. Venga, de'sommi eroi

See all 31 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 5. Aria. Al chiaror di que'bei rai

2. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 1. Scene 5. Coro di geni e grazie. Di te piů amabile

3. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 1. Recitativo. Star lontana non so

4. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 1. Aria. Spiega il desio, le piume

5. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 1. Coro di pastorelle. Giŕ l'ore sen volano

6. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 2. Recitativo. Cerco di loco in loco / Scene 3. Recitativo. Silvia, ove sei?

7. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 3. Aria. Dal tuo gentil sembiante

8. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 4. Recitativo. Ahimč! Che veggio mai?

9. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 4. Aria. Al mio ben mi veggio avanti

10. Ascanio in Alba, opera, K. 111: Act 2. Scene 4. Recitativo. Ferma, aspetta

See all 28 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad. Not bad at all., January 18, 2001

By 

Aaron J. Marx (Stevens Point, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mozart: Ascanio in Alba / Chance, Feldman, Windsor, Rannion, Milner; Grimbert (Audio CD)

The first thing I have to say is I wish I could write music like that when I was 15. I wish I could write music like that now! Naxos opera recordings are generally quite good for their prices, and this album is no exception. I bought this opera after hearing two arias from it on recital albums by countertenors Andreas Scholl and David Daniels, and since this is the only complete recording of the opera I have seen in the catalogue, the choice was obvious. While I still like the aforementioned performances of those particular arias better than those presented on the Naxos recording, I was not disappointed. If you like Mozart's opera seria this certainly a worthwile investment. Although no mention of a period orchestra is made anywhere in the notes, this orchestra plays with the energy and clarity to make an ample substitute. The singing is also quite good. The disadvantages to this recording, insurmountable because it's the only complete recording in the catalogue, as I've already said: sometimes the polish and balance leave a bit to be desired, but not very often. Also, if you have ever purchased Naxos opera recordings before you know the libretto is not translated. Usually a detailed synopsis for each track is provided in substitution, but not with this one. A brief, undetailed synopsis of each act is provided, but this is really not sufficient for a true understanding of the aria texts and nuances in the music to accompany them. I know the libretto and story in general are pretty laughable and formulaic, but it would still be helpful in understanding the music. At any rate, a fine recording of nice music. I'd recommend it for any fan of Mozart's operas, opera seria in general, or both.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan, March 4, 2006

By 

George Peabody "Ariel" (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mozart: Ascanio in Alba / Chance, Feldman, Windsor, Rannion, Milner; Grimbert (Audio CD)

A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD MOZART KEEPS US INTERESTED THROUGHOUT THIS RATHER LIGHT-HEARTED TALE!

In October of 1771 the Archduke Ferdinand commissioned Johann Hasse to write an opera and the young l4 year old Mozart to write a Serenata (mini-opera) for his coming marriage. Upon hearing his Serenata, Hasse supposedly said:"That lad will get us all forgotten". History tells us that Mozart wrote this in three weeks with all kinds of noises going on at the inn where he was housed . What a genius!!

The plot of this opera is no more than a ponderous allegory of the state wedding for which it was written. Ascanio(countertenor) is the son of Venus and is lined up to marry Princess Silvia (soprano),a direct descendant of Hercules. Cupid is lined up as a go-between and the plot unfolds in an easy to follow simplistic manner.

It's definitely the music of Mozart that enchants and not the story. If ever a piece of music sang as spontaneously as the birds and the angels, this occasional Serenata dashed off in three weeks is that piece of music. The work's rich inventiveness and the enthusiasm with which the composer contrives to maintain our interest throughout the most tedious of plots truly displays the genius of Mozart. This opera is a delightful piece of musical "fluff" and I love it!!!

The orchestral accompaniment is well-done as is the choral singing. Rosa Mannion is outstanding in her role as Fauno. All the singers do their roles in a grand style. But you haven't musically lived until you hear Ascanio (Chance) singing "Ah di si nobil alma". One negative comment: why didn't Naxos give us an English translation of the Libretto?

Some quotations concerning this recording: GRAMOPHONE (CRITICS CHOICE): "...the recording under the direction of Jacques Grimbert is distinguished by some of the most beautiful countertenor singing I have ever heard, from Michael Chance in the title role..."

PENGUIN GUIDE: :"The countertenor, Michael Chance, sings flawlessly in the castrato role of Ascanio....Lorna Windsor...bright and clear as Venus....an outstanding bargain in every way, a rare Mozart that for most will be a delightful discovery."

GRAMOPHONE: "The singing of Michael Chance is truly in a class of its own...Jill Feldman....is secure and always musicianly...Rosa Manion is very impressive... the tenor role of Alceste is sung with good, full-blooded tone and gracefully phrased by Howard Milner."

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good account of Ascanio in Alba, November 2, 2004

By 

Stephen (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mozart: Ascanio in Alba / Chance, Feldman, Windsor, Rannion, Milner; Grimbert (Audio CD)

I would probably rate this recording 4.5. Although there is no mention of it in the CD liner notes this is a period instrument recording. Although sounding a little thin in places (perhaps due to record engineering) the orchestra overall sound fantastic, as does the chorus. The soloists also surprised me. I naturally thought that with a starry cast on the Philips rival set these singers wouldn't stand a chance-I was totally wrong!!! Lorna Windsor as Venus sings beautifully as does counter-tenor Michael Chance (Ascanio), a better account than Baltsa. The real surprise is Rosa Mannion and the famous coloratura aria for Fauno "Dal tuo gentil sembiante". I hate to say it as I'm a big fan of Arleen Auger, but Mannion clearly surpasses her. She has no trouble whatsoever, compared with Auger who sounds like shes onto dear life at the edge of a cliff! My only reservation, the recitatives are a bit boring and a few passages of insecure vocal technique. Overall a good recording!