Italian Oratorios (Ltd Ed)

A RISING STAR FROM ACROSS THE BORDER (CANADA).
Matthew White, Canadian countertenor, herein produces an extraordinary performance in these Italian Arias. His voice is strong and rich; his technique fluid, and his delivery confident. In part, this is a result of the repertoire, which is quite operatic and virtuostic. He delivers the opening Zelenka arias with golden sonority and soaring lines. But, in truth, he is aided by Zelenka's stylish, sophistocated, and very attractive music, which ranks among the finest of the genre, and is the best in this well-chosen program.

White also shows his stuff in the slower, more lyrical arias, such as Vivaldi's 'Noli o cara te adorantis' (Do not rebuff, o dearest) and Scarlatti's 'Perche memora il ruscillo' (Why murmurs the stream?) as well as Zelenka's 'A Che Ricerbano', with the sensitively set text 'Great God, the tears of a wretched Mother are asking for mercy' which is preceded and followed by some of the more exciting vocal writing (and performing) that you will ever hear!!

As indicated in the liner notes, the three movements opening Scarlatti's 'Cain, over il primo omicido'( the First murder) is nothing less than a 'mini-concerto' for solo violin, and Lamon's appropriately exciting interpretation sets the stage perfectly for Whilte's enthralling vocalising in four widely varied arias selected from larger works.

I want to mention that there is another two CD album that includes this recording and a second disc that has additional music,not only performed by White, but a choir, a female vocalist, a flautist, piano trio etc.
for the difference in price, you may want to check that one out on this website. It has a picture of White on the front and I also reviewed that one (almost the same words).

However,I conclude by stating that this is a first-class album: creative, entertaining and performed to perfection by both White and Tafelmusik.