Description: "Farinelli" was the stage name for the greatest castrato--and arguably the greatest singer--of his era, the 1720s and '30s (he inspired the film of the same name ). His range was enormous--three octaves, by some reports--with a deep, resonant chest voice that was perfectly wedded to strong, sweet high notes. His breath control seemed superhuman, his ability to execute florid runs at high speeds astounded the audience, and he could leap from one octave to another as naturally and easily as most people could speak.
On this CD, the fine countertenor-conductor-musicologist Rene Jacobs leads a historically correct band in eight (almost forgotten) virtuoso arias Farinelli was famous for, and the Alaskan mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux sings them stupendously. Her voice is warm and rich, and her ability to keep rhythmically and tonally accurate while carrying out almost impossible, dozens-of-notes-per-minute roulades will take your breath away. She's just as impressive in the gentler, long-breathed arias. If you've ever admired Marilyn Horne, Cecilia Bartoli, Joan Sutherland, and other bel canto superstars, this disc is perfect for you. Thrilling! --Robert Levine
