Track Listing

1. Serse (1737): Act III, scene 11 - Crude furie (Serse)
2. Teseo (1713): Act II, scene 1 - Dolce Riposo
3. Teseo (1713): Act II, scene 6 - Ira, sdegni, e furore + O stringero nel sen
4. Teseo (1713): Act V, scene 1 - Moriro, ma vendicata
5. Giulio Cesare (1724). 1 air de Sesto: Act II, scene 6 - L'angue offeso mai riposa
6. Admeto (1727), Air d'Admeto: Act I, scene 1 - Orride larve
7. Hercules (1745): Act I, scene 2 - There in myrtle shades
8. Hercules (1745): Semele (1744), Air de Juno: Act II, scene 1 - Hence, Iris Hence away
9. Hercules (1745): Imeneo (1740), Air de Tirinto: Act II, scene 3 - Sorge nell'alma mia
10. Hercules (1745): Ariodante (1734): Act II, scene 3 - Scherza Infinda (Ariodante)
11. Admeto (1727), Air d'Alceste: Act II, scene 7 - Gelosia, spietala Aletto
12. Amadigi (1715): Act II, scene 10 - Destero dall' empia Dite
13. Amadigi (1715): Act II, scene 6 - Cease Ruler of the day to Rise
14. Amadigi (1715): Act III, scene 3 - Where shall I fly

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5160 in Music
• Released on: 2008-10-06
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 75 minutes

CD Description
Joyce DiDonato consistently earns ecstatic reviews wherever she sings. Among the world’s most charismatic performers, she is winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s Beverly Sills Award, among many other honours. Furore features Handel arias and was recorded with Les Talens Lyriques and Christophe Rousset.

Customer Reviews

Handel as you've never heard him
First of all, it's impossible to articulate adequately Ms. DiDonato's talents, vocal or interpretive. Much praise has already been written, all deserved. She can do seemingly everything possible with the human voice, due to a technique that is based purely on the breath (a thing which is surprisingly more rare these days than one would like to believe), and a mind so sharply attuned to the underlying meaning of music and text, that her voice cannot but follow its demands.

For those who labor under the misapprehension that Baroque music is staid and (yes, I have heard it said) passionless, give this CD a listen, and you'll realize just how wrought with human emotion this music is, if there are artists intelligent and daring enough to plumb its considerable depths. From the searing insanity of Dejaneira to the piercing poignancy of Ariodante, this wonderful collection scans the landscape of heart and mind, painted to stunning effect with the multi-coloured palette of Ms. DiDonato's voice, which is matched hue for hue by Les Talens Lyrique under the insightful baton of Christophe Rousset.

I'm sure there are Baroque specialists who would quibble with some of Ms. DiDonato's embellishments; but surely no one can deny the absolute conviction with which they are executed, nor the drama they convey. As to the suitability of her voice for Handel, let me just assert that I find it refreshing to hear a full-blooded instrument with a natural, unapologetic vibrato singing this glorious music. That is not to say that Ms. DiDonato avoids straight tone--on the contrary, she uses it often, to mesmerizing effect; but is is just that: an EFFECT, not an entire school of singing.

This CD should be a prize possession in any vocal music lover's collection. Buy it, and revel in Handelian sublimity.

A great contribution to the Handel 250th
Joyce DiDonato has appeared in several recent CDs, and this first recital disc of Handel arias is further evidence of a considerable talent. Her bright mezzo coloratura voice is used to great effect in many of the arias, but she also the ability to shade her voice for some of the quieter passages, especially the introductory recits. Her breath control is magnificent; her vocal range is astounding. The only current performer who matches her is Sarah Connolly (who has recorded a similar Handel programme) and that says a lot. The programme itself is well selected, with contrasting arias: the Hercules excerpts (Tracks 13 and 14) are examples. But try Track 1 first - a remarkable piece of singing in contrasting styles that makes an excellent introduction to the CD.

Magnificent!
I haven't heard the CD yet, but I was at the concert where it was recorded. If this CD captures even one percent of the energy, the emotion and the fury that Ms DiDonato displayed at this outstanding concert, this CD is a must-have, especially if you're into Händel. Amazing.