Bach, Handel, Mozart: Arias

Featuring

Nigel Short
Aksel Rykkvin
Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment
Johann Sebastian Bach
George Frideric Handel
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Did you know?

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Interpretation

The boy soprano voice, like that of Aksel Rykkvin, holds a unique enchantment due to its transient nature, similar to the child prodigy phenomenon embodied by the young Mozart.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in St. Augustine's Church, Kilburn, London, from January 17th to 22nd, 2016, with Sean Lewis as Producer & Editor and Mike Hatch as Recording Engineer.

Performer Biography

Aksel Rykkvin received international acclaim in March 2016 for his role as 'the boy' in Rolf Wallin's opera Elysium, with critics praising his musical assurance and richness of tone.

Interpretation

Aksel Rykkvin's musical approach influences the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, creating a sophisticated dialogue between the soloist and instrumentalists rather than just accompaniment.

Historical Context

In Bach's time, boys often continued singing treble until they were 16 or 17 years old, a contrast to today's trebles who reach puberty much younger due to better nutrition and living conditions.

Performer Biography

Aksel Rykkvin, the treble soloist, began his musical journey at age nine, aspiring to record songs that would provide listeners with an uplifting experience.

Interpretation

The album features historically informed performance practice, acknowledging that original performances of Bach or Handel cannot be re-captured, but striving to understand them brings the music to life.