***** With this Händel album Philippe Jaroussky is completely in his preferred element. In May of this year we praised the countertenor here for his recent recording of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice as "A voice as pure as the clear sky". This Händel recording – which was actually released before the Gluck opera, incidentally – is no less impressive.
Jaroussky deliberately chose a number of lesser-known arias from Händel operas: an interesting choice, because this way we at least don't get the umpteenth Ombra mai fu from Serse, but rather the beautiful though less popular aria of Arsamene, Sì, la voglio e l'otterrò – a part that at its creation in 1738 in London was sung by a mezzo. In his own brief introduction to the choice of arias, Jaroussky explains that countertenors sometimes sing parts that Händel adapted without hesitation to suit the singers at his disposal. So Jaroussky has adapted certain arias to sing them as comfortably as possible. When you hear the result, you can hardly fault it!
The timbre of Jaroussky's countertenor has become honeyed over the years, but deep intense heath honey, that is. The thin sharpness has disappeared, while it still sounds very penetrating. Moreover, his text interpretation remains irresistibly convincing. Venomous indignation in the words "braccio vile" (contemptible arm) from Radamisto can alternate in another aria with moving gentleness as he sings of the loveliness of his lamented beloved (Ombra cara di mia sposa). The vehemence of Riccardo (Agitato da fiere tempeste) then stands in sharp contrast to the wonderfully soft passage of Siroe (Son stanco), in which he confesses his innocence. Changing emotions are the hallmark of Jaroussky's vocal art and the foundation for the extreme colour richness of his voice with flawless trills. His ensemble Artaserse plays with full dynamism and brimming with energy, yet always in harmony with the emotion of the character.
Jaroussky ends his CD notes with the hope that the listener will enjoy it as much as they enjoyed playing the programme. As far as I'm concerned: absolutely not a vain hope!
- WHAT: The Händel Album
- WHO: Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor) & Artaserse
- RELEASE: Erato 0190295774455