Handel - Serse, HWV 40 (Nicholas McGegan)

Posted By : ArlegZ | Date : 12 Mar 2011 08:27:15 | Comments : 3 |

“

Serse has been one of my favorite Handel operas since I first heard the old Priestman LP on Westminster (Maureen Forrester in the title role, Lucia Popp as Romilda). Despite its frequent raggedness and "harpsichord on speed" continuo, this was a thoroughly dramatic and engaging performance. I've waited for decades for a new Serse which could benefit from the new performance standards we take for granted in baroque opera today. I was strongly disposed to like this disc, since although I've found McGegan a bit uneven in the past, his more recent Handel efforts, particularly Radamisto, have been superb. I can't fault the singers or orchestra in this performance, but the dramatic spark that makes Serse so special seems to me to be missing. I went back and compared my old Priestman recording and was even more convinced that the definitive Serse is yet to come. It's surprising there haven't been more recordings, since this work has a lot of potential appeal, and is one of Handel's most accomplished pieces. Maybe I'm just too picky, but I'd love to see someone reissue the Priestman on CD-- and while they are at it, his equally engaging Rodelinda (fortunately, there is better competition for the latter).

”

Performer:
Serse - Judith Malafronte, mezzo-soprano
Romilda - Jennifer Smith, soprano
Atalanta - Lisa Milne, soprano
Amastre - Susan Bickley, mezzo-soprano
Arsamene - Brian Asawa, countertenor
Elviro - David Thomas, bass
Ariodate - Dean Ely, bass-baritone
The Hanover Band & Chorus
Conductor - Nicholas McGegan