Latest releases reviewed

RENEE FLEMING: HOMAGE - THE AGE OF THE DIVA
Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre. Conductor: Valery Gergiev
Decca 475 8069
****

This is supercharged stuff from a soprano whose beautiful, creamy voice is normally heard in more restrained repertoire. In taking on these showcase arias, Renee Fleming shows both courage and

a sense of adventure, and invites comparison with the great divas of the past. The result is high-octane singing of an eclectic programme delivered in full dramatic style, complete with gliding portamenti and the occasional sob. While everything on the disc is stimulating, Fleming is most comfortable in the middle European repertoire, which is, musically speaking, more or less her home territory. She sings some of the lesser known material (such as the two Korngold arias) with wonderful refinement and sensitivity. The singing on this disc is always exciting and sometimes magical. www.deccaclassics.com

VIVALDI: ARIE PER BASSO
Soloist: Lorenzo Regazzo, Bass Concerto Italiano. Conductor: Rinaldo Alessandrini
Naïve OP 30415
*****

This is an exhilarating recital. The repertoire is a fascinating collection of lesser-known arias from Vivaldi operas, sung here by an artist who combines a fine voice with sensitive musicianship. Lorenzo Regazzo's voice is a true basso buffo in the great Italian tradition, and he uses it with understanding and respect for the emotional content of the words. While the repertoire is not all of the same standard, some of these arias are powerful indeed and convey a considerable range of emotion. This disc should come

as a revelation to those who see Vivaldi as essentially a composer

of pleasant, repetitive melody and rhythm. Great singing, fine repertoire, highly recommended. www.naive.fr

Download tracks: Se il cor guerriero, Terribile e lo scempio