It would be hard to imagine a more seductive hero, a more passionate
performer, a more glorious interpreter of the great Romantic roles of
Verdi and Puccini than Rolando Villazón. Yet the singer's temporary
withdrawal from the spotlight in 2007 opened up a wealth of new
possibilities for the singer. Among the "new paths" that Villazón
envisioned for the future were "adventures" such as Baroque music. Next to
a recording of works by the early Baroque composer Claudio Monteverdi
(available from UNITEL CLASSICA), he now offers a selection of arias by
George Frideric Handel.
This intimate concert featuring Villazón and the Gabrieli Players under
Paul McCreesh was filmed in a setting that ideally suits the style of the
music, St. Paul's Church in Deptford, near London, one of Britain's finest
Baroque churches. It was built between 1712 and 1730, almost exactly when
Handel was writing his most celebrated operas and oratorios.
Villazón proves that he is a master of dazzling coloratura, virtuoso runs
and expressive cantabile melodies. Among the highlights of the concert -
which also includes two purely orchestral works - are the beloved arioso
"Ombra mai fù" from Serse, Grimoaldo's aria "Pastorello d'un povero
armento" from Rodelinda, the lyrical, longing "Scherza infida" from
Ariodante, and Bajazet's spirited aria "Ciel e terra armi di sdegno" from
Tamerlano. Villazón is joined by soprano Rebecca Bottone and countertenor
Timothy Travers-Brown in the death scene of Bajazet from Tamerlano.
