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Reviewer: David Vickers Few sopranos are better equipped to sing this repertoire stylishly, attractively and with subtle characterisation than Roberta Invernizzi. ‘Queens’ presents the customary warhorses written for Francesca Cuzzoni (most of Cleopatra’s famous arias from Giulio Cesare and the valorous tour de force ‘Scoglio d’immota fronte’ from Scipione), and there are a couple of favourite lollipops composed for Anna Maria Strada del Pò: the resolute ‘Scherza in mar la navicella’ (Lotario) makes an exciting opening number (Invernizzi’s tasteful embellishments are a model of intelligent artistry but the orchestra does not unleash the flamboyant energy Handel surely intended); Alcina’s broken-hearted ‘Ah mio cor’ is placed suitably towards the end (nobody will care that Alcina isn’t a queen when hearing Invernizzi’s moving performance). The choices of other Strada arias are less predictable: Cleofide’s ‘Se mai turbo il tuo riposo’ (Poro) is performed with unusual sweetness and Invernizzi makes a good fist of Arianna’s florid ‘Quel torrente’ (Giustino). Accademia Hermans play with a pleasing awareness of how to accompany without forcing the singer to compete for space. Anachronistic harp continuo is prominent in slower arias but harpsichordist Fabio Ciofini directs with a sure ear for elegance, line and amiable theatricality: ‘Tu la mia stella sei’ has a rare sort of relaxed gracefulness and ‘Da tempesta’ trips along with refreshing lightness of touch, but the small group of strings lacks dramatic weight in ‘Se pietà’ and ‘Ah mio cor’ – although Invernizzi sings both laments superbly. The musicianship of all participants stays on the right side of clichés or caprices even when walking on well-trod ground. |
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