GLUCK: Alceste

Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra, Östman, Arnold

8.660066-68

This is the first recording of the Vinna version of Alceste, rather simpler and more direct in manner than the far-better-known French version of 1776. Here, Alceste’s powerful aria Divinités du Styx becomes Ombre, larve, less imposing, and the intimate scale of the Drottningholm presentation reflects that, with a cast of young singers remarkable for their freshness rather than for their power.

The self-sacrificing heroine is more girlish, more vulnerable, as portrayed by the American Teresa Ringholz, who is clear and true in every register, if a little lacking in variety. Her sweetness and purity are matched by the young Swedish soprano Miriam Treichl, in the role of Ismene, Alceste’s confidante—a most promising singer, even if it is at times confusing to have such similar singers juxtaposed. The clear-toned British tenor Justin Lavender sings stylishly in the relatively small role of Admeto, husband of Alceste, with Jonas Degerfeldt, aptly lighter and more youthful, as his confidant, Evandro. At the Naxos price one can hardly complain that the opera is laid out rather extravagantly on three discs, when in any case that brings the advantage of one disc per Act. Well-balanced sound, with voices well to the fore. Full libretto, synopsis and translations are provided. • Penguin Guide, January 2009

CD x 3

Naxos

9/13/99

730099606622

Fanfare: 'Want List' (2012)