I listened to parts of this recording and was stunned. The variety of showpieces for counter-tenor (or castrati in Vivaldi's time) soprano, alto and mezzo soprano are exquisite and sensational, truly virtuosic pieces only a special few can master. This is something perhaps not even Cecilia Bartoli can take on. Vivaldi's opera music is fiendishly difficult. The music ranges from stormy, jumping coloratura fireworks to achingly slow long arias sung in pianissimi. The music is wonderful and at this time Vivaldi was composing his superb La Stravanza. This was one of his most productive times in his career. However, this is his second opera which means it's considerably better than his first. The singers are masterful, the cover art could be on Vogue magazine (all the Vivaldi opera and vocal pieces on these record labels look that way, containing women who look like super models). This is a must have for fans of Vivaldi and rare Baroque opera. Handel's operas are far more recognized than Vivaldi's but it is an opera like Orlando Finto Pazza (Orlando Feigns Madness) that make Vivaldi easily a tough rival to Handel. The plot is nothing to get thrilled about. Like the title says the title character must feign madness in the style of Hamlet in order to achieve his goals. It is very Shakespearean. Treat yourself to this beautiful jewel and get this recording and other Vivaldi operas to add to your collection.
