Opera Arias & Overtures
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W. A. MOZART
Opera Arias & Overtures
Elizabeth Watts (Soprano) / Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Christian Baldini
[ Linn SACD / Hybrid SACD ]
Release Date: Wednesday 20 May 2015
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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra has established impeccable Mozartian credentials with its award-winning discography, to which Mozart: Opera Arias and Overtures is the latest addition.
The SCO's previous forays into operatic repertoire (Handel with soprano Emma Bell and Mozart, Haydn & Cimarosa with baritone William Berger) have been highly critically acclaimed.
This recording features a hand-picked selection of arias from six of Mozart's much-loved operas, alongside their respective overtures.
The SCO's affinity with Mozart's music is demonstrated with perfect eighteenth-century style in the overtures; whilst the arias see the orchestra lend characterful support.
Award-winning soprano Elizabeth Watts has performed in Don Giovanni at Covent Garden, Così fan tutte for Glyndebourne on Tour and Le nozze di Figaro for Santa Fe Opera and Welsh National Opera; she utilises her experience to create memorable performances.
A love of Mozart inspired conductor Christian Baldini to make music his career so it is fitting that his recording debut with the SCO features repertoire that is so close to his heart.
With a voice described as 'one of the most beautiful Britain has produced in a generation' (IRR), Elizabeth Watts has established herself as 'one of the brightest new talents' (The Independent).
Watts won the 2006 Kathleen Ferrier Prize and the Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize at the 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition.
In 2014 Watts performed in London's most prestigious venues including the Royal Opera, Covent Garden; the Festival Hall and at the Last Night of the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall.
Christian Baldini is a dynamic artist with a 'keen ear for detail' (The Scotsman). He regularly conducts several international orchestras including the SCO, and opera for the Aldeburgh Festival.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is a world-renowned orchestra with an outstanding reputation for Mozart.
The SCO's extensive series of Linn recordings feature Robin Ticciati, Sir Charles Mackerras, Ingrid Fliter, Emma Bell, William Berger, Karen Cargill, Artur Pizarro, Alexander Janiczek and Joseph Swensen.
"Watts is a rising British talent in this repertoire, but her Susanna and Ilia occasionally sound fierce. Her Zerlina is sweeter, and she hits form with Fiordiligi's Per pieta, from Così fan tutte." Sunday Times, 14th June 2015
"Watts's lyric soprano has gradually ripened and deepened without losing its purity. With its admixture of mezzo warmth allied to secure, shining high notes, hers is now an ideal Fiordiligi voice. In 'Per pieta' her technical mastery (immaculate runs, precipituous leaps taken with poise) and urgency of feeling make one eager to hear her in the role on stage." Gramophone Magazine, July 2015
"The glorious voice of Elizabeth Watts - now established as one Britain's leading sopranos - more than justifies the purchase price...Christian Baldini makes an impressive recording debut with the SCO, bringing real drive and focus to overtures." The Observer, 28th June 2015 ****
"This disc shows, and in supremely vivid sound, that a delightful light lyric soprano is on the cusp of becoming something greater…her discreet ornamentation, unforced tone and careful vocal emphasis all seem nigh on perfect." BBC Music Magazine, September 2015
"Watts has put together a cracker of a programme … the aria 'Cara tomba' is one of several hear-stoppingly beautiful moments on the disc. Watts, Cummings and the English Consort make an ideal partnership in what is one of the most thrilling albums of its kind I've heard in recent years; I can't recommend this recording highly enough." Early Music Today, September - November 2015
Tracks:
Le nozze di Figaro, K492: Overture
Deh vieni, non tardar (from Le nozze di Figaro)
Idomeneo, K366: Overture
Quando avran fine omai ... Padre, germani, addio! (from Idomeneo)
Don Giovanni, K527: Overture
Batti, batti, o bel Masetto (from Don Giovanni)
Vedrai, carino (from Don Giovanni)
La clemenza di Tito, K621: Overture
S'altro che lacrime (from La clemenza di Tito)
La finta giardiniera, K196: Overture
Appena mi vedon (from La finta giardiniera)
Così fan tutte, K588: Overture
Ei parte...Per pietà (from Così fan tutte)
