Handel: Alcina

"Alcina" is, no doubt, one of Handel's most glorious operas. It is seldom produced, however, because of the necessary, lavish stage magic and a cast of stars. This live recording from the Paris Opera obviously is a reinterpretation: the photographs of the production show contemporary clothing and a minimalist set. I would imagine that several major American opera companies would love to get their hands on this production, especially if it comes with these three leading ladies: Renee Fleming, Susan Graham and Natalie Dessay.In fact, every soloist on this three CD set is first rate with special marks going to Dessay, as 'Morgana,' the title character's sister. Her Act 3 aria 'Credete al mio dolore' in which she begs her lover forgiveness for hurting him, is the kind of perfection one rarely hears in a live opera performance: a perfect marriage of great technique and emotionalism.However, I am really in the minority here when I state that this obviously "correct" version of the opera by the redoubtable William Christie and his Les Arts Florissants, leaves me cold. It is, at once, so perfect, so controlled, so regal, so polite that it lacks all excitement for me. I much prefer the "bastardized," abridged version by Richard Bonynge starring his wife and partner, Joan Sutherland with Teresa Berganza, Graziella Sciutti and Mirella Freni. Recorded in the early 1960's, its sound is obviously not as full and rich as this newer recording, but it is a thoroughly emotionally satisfying performance. A happily added bonus is selections from Handel's "Julius Caesar" with Sutherland and Marilyn Horne.

I may not be as musically sophisticated as some of the other reviewers, but I do share the belief that that is a wonderful performance. My reasons are as follows: Alcina does not offer the performers the opportunity to dazzle listeners with incredible feats of soaring vocal display (such as one might find with "Mi chiamano Mimi" in La Boheme). Accordingly, the results rest much more on the performers' ability to achieve a sustained level of perfection over the entire performance. In this I believe they succeed marvelously. In particular, Ms. Fleming's voice control and purity of notes are just amazing. Further, in this opera the orchestration is nearly as prevalent as the singing, and William Christie controls things perfectly. The orchestra never interferes with the singing, but when it's the orchestra's turn to solo, Mr. Chrsitie turns up the volume by just the right amount. Finally, in my person opinion, this is one of Handel's better pieces. I have at least 12 different Handel oratorios and operas, and this is my second favorite (after Solti's "Messiah" with Dame Kiri). It moves along much better than, say, "Israel in Egypt". Granted, this is comparing an opera to an oratorio, but I think you get the point. Thank you for reading this "poor commoner's" review.

A beautiful recording, with fine performances from all the artists. Renee Fleming brings the right level of desperation and poignancy to the role of Alcina, and Dessay is a fine and equally poignant Morgana. Susan Graham's creamy mezzo soprano is a joy to listen to. My only problem is a technical one - Disc 2 refuses to play on my laptop.

5 stars because I can't imagine this done any better. The singing is transparent, artful an ardent without being over the top. The emphasis is thankfully on the sopranos, and they all turn in a top-notch performance. The sound is wonderful, considering that this is a live recording. Only the occasional footfalls and other stage noises, as well as the raucous applause at the end of each at, gives away the fact that this wasn't recorded under studio conditions. Well done, Erato.The composer's intent is respected, but not in a grim, determined sort of way. William Christe is a conductor who's work I need to own more of.

As always, Renee Fleming was wonderful, especially in partnership with Susan Graham. Both complement each other.

Excellent vocal. Can listen to it all day, all noght, or anytime Natalie likes to sing and provide an enjoyable background.

In good condition.

Handel - Alcina / Fleming, Graham, Dessay, Kuhlmann, Robinson, Naouri, Lascarro, Les Arts Florissants, Christie is a recording under the direction of William Christie who leads Les Arts Florissants on this Erato Disques recording from 1999. Being used to the amazing sound quality of Deutsche Grammophon this recording is not as good. The problem is that one hears to much echo at times. Handel composed this opera in 1735 and besides a revival in 1738 it was not played for almost 200 years. Renée Fleming sounds amazing in the role of Alcina. The booklet is 150 pages and contains lyrics in English, French, German and Italian. It also contains liner notes by Ivan A. Alexandre and Robert Carsen. It also contains short biographies of the artists and some very grainy photographs that look like they were shot by some friend of the conductor and not a professional photographer. Highly recommended. 4/5.

This may be recommended without hesitation. There is some absolutely gorgeous singing on here in Handel's most tuneful opera.

A gift which was loved

Excelllent - gorgeous singing

Great recording, passion of live with studio quality sound

Edizione molto bella. I cantanti sono formidabili!!!! Ottima la direzione. La registrazione è dal vivo ma la qualità del suono è stupenda come pure sentire gli applausi alla fine degli atti. Mi inoltre commosso la presenza di Kathleen Kuhlmann, che aveva già inciso un’altra mitica Alcina, con una voce meravigliosa di contralto.