Farinelli & Porpora His Master's Voice

This is a beautiful recording. Jaroussky's voice and sensitivity to the music bring new light on the arias of Nicola Porpora, until recently a lesser-known Baroque composer. Cecelia Bartoli's contribution on two arias sets off the different qualities of these two gorgeous voices.An added plus: the liner notes in the cd include a couple of intriguing sketches of the castrato Farinelli, Porpora's own pupil and later star for a number of Baroque composers, notably Handel.

Another superb album by Phillippe Jaroussky. He stands out among today's many fine counter tenors for the richness of his tone and his fine musicianship as well as fearless bravura technique. Here he introduces us to more little-known repertoire and makes the discovery a thrilling adventure. In addition to the fine performances, this album features superb sound and aa accompanying book with thorough notes and complete texts. This one is a winner all around.

Absolute delight. Only have to deal with Cecilia Bartoli on two short tracks--otherwise, wonderful!

Has a voice that sends chills down one's spine. Just beautiful.

Brilliant. Very enjoyable.

Utterly divine.

Great performance! Impecable!

Beautiful voice. Sublime!

...according to legend, Nicola Porpora made the castrato Caffarelli perform a single sheet of vocal exercises, whereupon he said "Go, I have nothing more to teach you. Now you are the best singer in Europe". This story undoubtedly does Porpora a disservice, but is indicative of the aura around him and the esteem in which he was held as the greatest vocal teacher of his time, and a composer with an unparalleled feeling for writing for the human voice.Another of Porpora's famous protegés was Farinelli, and eleven of the arias written specifically for him by Porpora appear on this disc, seven being world première recordings. Much like the recent disc by Franco Fagioli, " Porpora: Il Maestro - Opera Arias ", the programme here is no so much about the dramatic virtuoso arias, rather more the lyrical works of the kind which Farinelli himself is said to have preferred. Among these is the utterly gorgeous and heart-rendingly beautiful "Alto Giove" from the opera "Polifemo" staged in London in 1735, and hearing this delivered by Jaroussky you will just melt.One runs out of adjectives to praise the delicate and affecting voice of Philippe Jaroussky. On the downside, I'm not so keen on the two duets with Cecilia Bartoli, who is more like a bludgeon compared to Jaroussky's finesse with the sharp-edged rapier; Bartoli rather dominates and drowns him out. But it's not enough to downgrade this from a five star rating. Porpora: Il Maestro - Opera Arias

divine singing and superbly done very enjoyable and well worth buying.. his voice is sublime and pure and he sings with great brilliance.. well worth buying .. I'm now hooked on Phillipe Jarouski's voice and superb talent

Brilliant voice excellent CD

Excellent music and fine singing

Fabulous.