OPERA

Latest releases reviewed

RENEE FLEMING; ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT; CONDUCTOR: HARRY BICKETT   Handel Deutsche Grammophon 00289 477 50220 (Super Audio CD) *****

Renee Fleming has one of the most beautiful soprano voices in the world today, but this choice of repertoire was a brave one for her. Her rich, creamy voice is more naturally suited to the luscious melodies of Richard Strauss and French opera than to the spare, lithe airs and fearsome coloratura of Handel. Despite these drawbacks, this disc contains some lovely Handel singing, which is a tribute to Fleming's technical accomplishment and innate musicianship. Her singing of Scoglio d'Ammorata Fronte (from Scipione) is quite spectacular, and her cadenza in this aria is unashamedly acrobatic. She is greatly helped by the conductor and orchestra, who play with verve and abandon, giving the disc a fine period sense. For those with equipment to play Super Audio CD the disc is an especial treat with fine surround sound. Colman Morrissey