The role of Cherubino in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro was written as a breeches part for a female singer because the Viennese opera ensemble of 1786 did not have a castrato.
Performer Biography
Valer Sabadus, the countertenor on this recording, was born in Romania and moved to Germany at age five, beginning his vocal studies at 17.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote operatic roles for castrati for over two decades, from his first Milanese 'Dramma per musica' in 1771 to his final opera, La clemenza di Tito in 1791.
Composition History
Mozart met the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini during the rehearsals for Lucio Silla in 1773, and despite Rauzzini's 'star allures', Mozart tailor-made beautiful arias for him.
Performer Biography
Valer Sabadus has received prestigious awards, including the Echo Klassik award for his recording Baroque Oriental and the 'Deutscher Schallplattenpreis' for Hasse reloaded.
Recording & Production
The orchestra 'recreation' was founded in 2002 by musicians who previously played in the Graz Symphony Orchestra, and its name is inspired by a quote from Johann Sebastian Bach.
Composer Biography
Mozart expressed significant frustration with the castrato Vincenzo dal Prato, who sang the role of Idamante in Idomeneo, describing him as incapable and having an uneven voice.
