A world-famous court composer during his lifetime, Agostino Steffani (1654-1728) exercised a significant influence on the likes of Handel, J.S. Bach and Telemann, his music nevertheless falling into neglect after his death. Thanks to conductor and Baroque specialist Thomas Hengelbrock, Steffani's musically rich and emotionally intense fifth opera Niobe, regina di Tebe, revived in 2008, is heard here in The Royal Opera's acclaimed 2010 production. With a 'delectable' and 'seductive' performance from Veronique Gens as the proud queen punished for defying the gods, supported by male soprano Jacek Laszczkowski, who 'thrills with his astonishing power at the top of the voice... [giving] an exciting approximation of what the castrato could do' (Independent), this recording ushers Steffani's forgotten masterpiece to the wider public. Lukas Hemleb's production is tasteful and elegant, and graced with some imaginative coups de theatre. Thomas Henegelbrock conducts the expert Balthazar Neumann Ensemble, and there is first-class singing from a cast of period stylists... (The Daily Telegraph)
6 Alba Essulti, E Il Lazio Goda - Suon Di Lontana Caccia
7 Se la Vita a Me Donasti - Tiresia Cieco Appoggiato Ad Un Servo
8 Amor T'attese Al Varco - Svelo Fatal la Piaga
9 Tu Non Sai Che Sia Diletto - Oh D'amor Troppo Ignaro
10 Vuoi Ch'io Parli, Parlero - Dormi Creonte, E in Tanto
11 Dove Sciolti À Volo I Vanni
12 Nuovo Soglio, E Nuova Bella - a Voi Di Tracia, E Gnido
13 Dell'alma Stanca
14 Sfere Amiche - Anfion Mio Desio
15 Vorrei Sempre Vagheggiarti - Eccola
16 E Di Sasso Chi Non T'ama - E Tu Qual Gelo, O Sasso
17 C'ho Da Morir Tacendo - Forsennato Vaneggia
18 Che Agli Assalti Degli Amanti - Ritornello
- Disc 2 -
1 Ecco Tebe - Oh Di Lico Infelice - Popoli O Voi, Ch'un Tempo
2 Come Padre, E Come Dio
3 Assistetemi - O D'insano Ardimento
4 Mia Fiamma, Mio Ardore - Numi Datemi Aita
5 Di Strali, E Fulmini - Discaccia Il Duolo
6 Nel Mio Seno a Poco a Poco - Oh Stravaganza
7 Quanto Sospirerai
8 Rigaudons and Gigue
9 Ritornate a Gli Abissi - Il Gran Portento Amici - Vien Al Fine la Bella
10 Qui la Dea Cieca Volante - Giunge Il Re
11 Ascendo Alle Stelle
12 Ballo - Alle Prescritte Mete
13 Numi Tartarei - Ove Son
14 Dal Mio Petto O Pianti Uscite
15 Confuse Potenze - Fuggiro Questo Cielo
16 Il Tuo Sguardo O Bella Mia - Odi Come Diverso - Chi Sei, Dove Mi Guidi
17 Lascio L'armi, E Cedo Il Campo
18 T'abbraccio Mia Diva
19 Gioite, Godete - Tu Mi Laceri Il Core - Et Ancor Neghittosi
20 Tra Bellici Carmi - de Tebani Pastori - Ratto Sen Va - Mi Commove a Pietade
21 Questi Giovani Moderni
- Disc 3 -
1 Delle Celesti Soglie
2 Amami, E Vederai - Fuggi Creonte
3 Luci Belle - Qui, Dove Muto, E Solo
4 Contro Il Ciel - Nell'egeo Tempestoso - Con Eterni Legami
5 Hor Ch'e Mio Quel Vago Labro - Foste Al Fine Pietosi - Senza Indugio Clearte - Vinti Sono I Celesti
6 Che Alla FÈ Di Donne Amanti
7 Tutta Gioia, E Tutta Riso - Fin Dove M'inseguite
8 Spira Già Nel Proprio Sangue
9 Funeste Imagini - Doma E Gia Tebe
10 Di Palme, E D'allori
A world-famous court composer during his lifetime, Agostino Steffani (1654-1728) exercised a significant influence on the likes of Handel, J.S. Bach and Telemann, his music nevertheless falling into neglect after his death. Thanks to conductor and Baroque specialist Thomas Hengelbrock, Steffani's musically rich and emotionally intense fifth opera Niobe, regina di Tebe, revived in 2008, is heard here in The Royal Opera's acclaimed 2010 production. With a 'delectable' and 'seductive' performance from Veronique Gens as the proud queen punished for defying the gods, supported by male soprano Jacek Laszczkowski, who 'thrills with his astonishing power at the top of the voice... [giving] an exciting approximation of what the castrato could do' (Independent), this recording ushers Steffani's forgotten masterpiece to the wider public. Lukas Hemleb's production is tasteful and elegant, and graced with some imaginative coups de theatre. Thomas Henegelbrock conducts the expert Balthazar Neumann Ensemble, and there is first-class singing from a cast of period stylists... (The Daily Telegraph)
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