Handel: Clori, Tirsi E Fileno [Import]

THIS IS THE ONE!!!

I notice that there are a few other recordings of this work, but I must say that this trio of singers present to you the most authentic sound quality for this pastoral-like setting by Handel. This was written in Handel's early years when he was very much taken with the Italian works, particularly the leading vocal form of the day: the chamber cantata in both its sacred and secular genre. Its partly narrative and partly dramatic literary structure demanded a theatrical setting. The texts were written in a variety of metres and this allowed the composers to vary the sequence: recitative-aria-recitative, which means that da-capo-arias can be found next to ariosi and arias in verse form. The preferred literary theme was love.

All of this the young Handel adopted with great vigor into his compositional style. And as a result we have some wonderful cantatas etc. and this 'Clori, Tirsi e Fileno' is a wonderful example.It was first performed in Rome in 1707; it is a piece of witty erotic pastoral delight. The story deals with the sheperdess 'Clori'(sung by soprano Suzie Le Blanc), who, we discover, is happily playing her lovers Tirsi(sung by sopranist Jorg Waschinski), and Fileno (sung by alto David Cordier) off against each other. When they find out what she's been up to, she leaves them both for partners new. Tirsi and Fileno, meanwhile, are soon thinking they might be better off with each other!!!

The performance by these three singers is absolutely incredible! Male sopranist Waschinski has a truly phenominal voice and reaches high notes with clarity and power, but does not sound female in any sense of the word. David Cordier (alto) has a wonderfully resonant voice and even though he isn't given many higher notes, I will tell you that he too can sail up to the clouds, because I have recordings where he sings soprano roles with just as much expertise. Suzie Le Blanc floats effortlessly througout the range and her voice is warm and caressing. The ensemble Lautten Compagney has instrumentalists to die for!!!Wonderfull sounds, effortless and tuneful notes and led very skillfully by Wolfgang Katschner.

The entire 75 minute disc was fabulous, because how can Handel not be???!!! His vocal and instrumental score is so expert and clever and has much variety throughout perfectly describing this little drama!

Just an aside: Giovanni Bononcini has his own interesting setting of this story performed by a soprano, countertenor and a baritone. It's available and its called: 'La Nemica D'Amore Fatta Amante'.

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