Looking ahead to Handel year 2009 this CD offers a rare opportunity to listen to Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo.This seldomly heard ‘serenata’ (musical entertainment) was written by the famous composer when still very young - he was 23 - in Italy.
True to the original setting of such a piece – often outdoors and without acting – the cast consists of just three characters. They are all mentioned in the title. In this serenata Handel ccasionally has been very specific about instruments to be used in performances. Thus a ‘violone grosso’ shows up in the aria 'Fra l'ombre e gl'orrori'.
This is an intimate and brand new recording led by Marco Vitale. He plays the harpsichord together with his Contrasto Armonico specializing in early music. The singers are Stefanie True (soprano), Luciana Mancini (mezzo soprano) and bass-baritone Mitchell Sandler.
Other information:
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www.contrastoarmonico.eu.