Opera seria of the 18th century, known mostly to specialists 30 years ago, was rediscovered by virtuoso sopranos and countertenors. Now it's ready for prime-time in the form of full-opera recordings, on a major label, with top-notch singers. Countertenor Max Emanuel Cencic appeared in a Virgin Classics recording of Leonardo Vinci's opera Artaserse and followed it in 2015 with this version of the same composer's Catone in Utica, a tale of the military and romantic intrigues surrounding the conflict of Cato the Younger (or ...
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Opera seria of the 18th century, known mostly to specialists 30 years ago, was rediscovered by virtuoso sopranos and countertenors. Now it's ready for prime-time in the form of full-opera recordings, on a major label, with top-notch singers. Countertenor Max Emanuel Cencic appeared in a Virgin Classics recording of Leonardo Vinci's opera Artaserse and followed it in 2015 with this version of the same composer's Catone in Utica, a tale of the military and romantic intrigues surrounding the conflict of Cato the Younger (or Cato of Utica) with Julius Caesar, ending with the suicide of the former. The libretto, by Pietro Metastasio, became one of the most popular of the entire century, with settings by Vivaldi, J.C. Bach, and, as late as 1789, Giovanni Paisiello. Even Handel reworked a setting by Leonardo Leo and others for the Haymarket in London, but this was the very first version, premiered in Rome in 1728. Because of the Pope's ban on female performers, it was written for an unlikely quartet of...
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Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item and case may have light wear. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.