Some compositions attributed to Gluck in early manuscripts, such as arias from 'Arsace', were later found to be by other composers like Giovanni Battista Lampugnani.
Album & Artwork
The album features 12 tracks, with 8 of them being world-premiere recordings.
Performer Biography
Giovanni Carestini, a castrato singer, was known for his perfectionism and for creating memorable roles in operas by George Frideric Handel, such as 'Alcina' and 'Ariodante'.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Milan, Italy, in June 2016.
Historical Context
Until the early 18th century, the contralto voice was favored for heroic male roles and female 'en travesti' roles, but this changed with the Age of Enlightenment.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Christoph Willibald Gluck, the composer, was inspired by the male alto Gaetano Guadagni and librettist Ranieri de' Calzabigi to create his 'Riforma dell'opera seria' (opera reform).
Composition History
The works from Gluck's early Italian period (1737-1745) have suffered significant losses, with most surviving sources being collections of individual arias.
You might also enjoy...
Puccini: Madama Butterfly, SC 74: Addio fiorito asil (Arr. Zigante for Tenor and Guitar)
