Author: Mozart

Format: Import

Release Date: 1995-09-19

Details: Amazon.ca Mozart's early opera seria, Ascanio in Alba, was premiered in Milan when the composer was just 15; and it's a fascinating piece, especially by the way in which the young Mozart both obeys seria convention and flaunts it at the same time. Admittedly the plot is moribund--the libretto comes from a certain Parini rewriting Mestasio of a century earlier--shepherd Ascanio is betrothed to the nymph Silvia but has to disguise himself to test her fidelity before the nuptials can proceed. But the music more than makes up for it. Mozart can even make Parini's long-winded recitatives seem lively and interesting, and there's a fair amount of rewarding choral writing, well projected here by a compact Choeur De L'Universite De Paris-Sorbonne. The leads too all sing well: Michael Chance's reedy countertenor makes for a strong Ascanio, and he receives good support from Jill Feldman's sprightly Silvia and Rosa Mannion's well-shaped Fauno. More than adequate also is Jacques Grimert's brisk-paced direction of a bright-sounding Concerto Armonico. Good all-round recording quality and balance between voices and instruments add to the aura of professionalism. There isn't exactly a glut of Ascanios in the catalogue: at bargain price, this sterling Naxos release leads the way. -- Duncan Hadfield

UPC: 730099604024

EAN: 0730099604024

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood