L'Olimpiade / Mingardo, Invernizzi, Prina, Kulikova, Giordano, Novarro, Foresti, Concerto Italiano, Alessandrini [Vivaldi Edition]

Antonio Vivaldi (Composer), Rinaldo Alessandrini (Conductor), Concerto Italiano (Orchestra), Sergio Foresti (Performer), Roberta Invernizzi (Performer), Sara Mingardo (Performer), Sonia Prina (Performer), Laura Giordano (Performer), Riccardo Novaro (Performer), Marianna Kulikova (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Sergio Foresti, Roberta Invernizzi, Sara Mingardo, Sonia Prina, Laura Giordano, et al.
• Orchestra: Concerto Italiano
• Conductor: Rinaldo Alessandrini
• Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
• Audio CD (January 14, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Naive (Opus 111)
• ASIN: B00006IWQQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,027 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, March 11, 2003

By	J. Luis Juarez Echenique "pepechenique" (Mexico City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is easily the finest recording of a Vivaldi opera so far, and it is good it is so since this is one his best operas.
Rinaldo Alessandrini and his marvelous Concerto Italiano bring brilliance and panache and the cast couldn't be bettered: contraltos Sara Mingardo and Sonia Prina are outstanding, and the ever delightful soprano Roberta Invernizzi is not to be missed.
Forget the idea that Vivaldi operas are boring, L'Olimpiada is anything but.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Recording of an Unknown Gem, January 18, 2004

By	Music lover "VM" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

In expanding my operatic horizons I find myself drawn more and more to the baroque works. Having whet my teeth on Handel I have been experimenting with his contemporaries and those who came before him. This new recording of a work by Vivaldi based on a libretto by Metastasio has captivated me.

Contrary to popular wisdom which says throw away the libretti and just luxuriate in the music of these works, I find that following the text makes them much more accessible and enjoyable. However, I will admit that it usually takes me more than one listening to actually "get" them completely.

In the present case, the opening allegro hooked me right away, as did the series of beautiful, and relatively short, arias, culminating in perhaps the work's finest inspiration, Licida's 'Mentre dorme', beautifully done by Sara Mingardo. The rest of the music is on a consistently high level as is the performance and recording. Minor quibbles: the Aminta, though accomplished, probably should have been cast with a more imposing soprano, and the cast needs to work on their trills. Highly enjoyable and recommended.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Let the music begin!, June 20, 2006

By	Dennis Figueroa (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With a flashy and catchy title like the "L'Olimpiade", Vivaldi was certainly vying for opera gold in terms of financial and musical success. And "L'Olimpiade" as an opera event is full of excitement and diversity. The arias and overtures are some of Vivaldi's personal best, and musical treasures. The monetary windfall is certainly Naïve's.

In the presto category, "Siam nave all'onde algenti" stands out at the top of the heap. Though in the role of Aminta, Laura Giordano got stuck with mostly recitative singing, she distinguished herself at the opportunity to sing this aria. Her coloratura and breath control are awesome and apt to the part. "Son qual per mare ignoto" is the other Giordano aria that just blooms as she sings it. Vivaldi would have delighted in approval of hearing her sing these arias so well. Her timbre is beautiful and diaphanous, her coloratura is vibrant, and her breath control again amazing.

In the largo category, Invernizzi and Prina make a duetto made in opera heaven singing "Ne' giorni tuoi felici" to perfection. Their note and tempo are flawless and so cohesive that their two voices fuse seamlessly in a solo.

Definitely in the allegro class, Mingardo peaked my interest in the contralto voice with her vigorous, very theatrical rendition of "Gemo e un punto e fremo". Her voice truly belongs to the stage!

Riccardo Novarro is awesome and capable to lead a tremor with "Non so donde viene".

Bravo!