{"product_id":"handel-complete-cantatas-vol-3-aminta-e-fillide-hwv-83","title":"Handel: Complete Cantatas, Vol. 3 - Aminta e Fillide, HWV 83","description":"\u003cbr\u003e                    Handel’s cantata \u003ci\u003eArresta il passo\u003c\/i\u003e is generally                     known as \u003ci\u003eAminta e Fillide\u003c\/i\u003e, the names of the two characters.                     It was written in 1706\/7 whilst Handel was in Rome and may be                     the first work that he wrote in Rome for Marchese Ruspoli, one                     of his major patrons there. Much of our knowledge of Handel’s                     work at this time comes from the surviving copyists’ bills                     from Ruspoli’s archives. In a rather charming piece of                     synchronicity, the present recording is supported by Princess                     Claudia Ruspoli. \u003cbr\u003e                      \u003cbr\u003e                    There are, in fact, two versions of the cantata. For a later                     performance, probably in 1708, two extra arias were added. It                     is this later version which has generally been recorded. In                     an interesting note in the CD booklet, Marco Vitale argues for                     the first version as the new arias require instruments not used                     in the earlier parts and also necessitate a rather unsatisfactory                     modulation and transposition. In common with many of Handel’s                     operas, it is likely that the earlier version is the strongest.                     Listeners may regret the omission of the extra arias; it is                     a shame that they could not have been included as an appendix,                     especially as the disc is of such a short playing time. \u003cbr\u003e                      \u003cbr\u003e                      The cantata opens with an arresting recitative \u003ci\u003eAresta il                     passo ninfa\u003c\/i\u003e (Halt your steps, nymph) in which Aminta almost                     literally halts the orchestral overture in its tracks. It’s                     an early example of Handel confounding our expectations of standard                     forms for dramatic purposes. The plot, such as it is, consists                     of the shepherd Aminta (Klaartje van Veldhoven) trying to seduce                     the nymph Fillide (Stevanie True) and of her gradual response                     to him. It is a charming and likeable piece which Marco Vitale                     and his forces present in a simple and direct manner. \u003cbr\u003e                      \u003cbr\u003e                    Minimal forces are used; the original version requires just                     three violins, cello and harpsichord. This gives the performance                     a wiry, direct feel - very much as if we were sitting in a chamber                     listening to the original performers. \u003cbr\u003e                      \u003cbr\u003e                    Dutch soprano Klaartje van Veldhoven as Aminta has an interesting                     voice with something of an edge to it. Not everyone will like                     it but, when used carefully, as here, it has the effect of adding                     character. That said, her passage-work is sometimes rather smudged                     though not fatally so. \u003cbr\u003e                        \u003cbr\u003e                    Stefanie True as Fillide has a nicely contrasting voice, lighter,                     clear and brilliant, less dramatic. These qualities are very                     helpful in a work like this using just two soprano singers.                     True has a fine way with Handel’s passage-work and interested                     listeners might care to seek out Volumes 1 and 2 of Brilliant’s                     Handel Cantata series in which True sings solo cantatas under                     Marco Vitale’s direction. \u003cbr\u003e                      \u003cbr\u003e                    \u003ci\u003eArresta il Passo\u003c\/i\u003e contains some charming and glorious                     music, such as Aminta’s infectiously dancing \u003ci\u003eAl dispetto                     di sorte crudele.\u003c\/i\u003e Aminta’s aria \u003ci\u003eSe vago rio,\u003c\/i\u003e                     beautifully sung by van Veldhoven, uses pizzicato string accompaniment                     to striking effect - this and other bits were re-used by Handel                     in his London operas.. True’s account of Fillide’s                     \u003ci\u003eE un foco\u003c\/i\u003e and its preceding recitative is beautifully                     touching. The arias for the two characters are neatly balanced                     in numbers and the piece concludes with a duet where the two                     voices blend and contrast nicely. \u003cbr\u003e                        \u003cbr\u003e                    The CD booklet includes an article by Marco Vitale, artist biographies                     and the text in Italian and English. But the CD only lasts 47                     minutes. \u003cbr\u003e                      \u003cbr\u003e                    After many years when only a tiny handful were on disc, it is                     heartening to find companies projecting complete Handel cantata                     cycles. That on Glossa has been well received and Fabio Bonizzoni’s                     account of \u003ci\u003eAminta e Fillide\u003c\/i\u003e with La Risonanza has already                     appeared. They recorded the later version of the cantata and                     also included \u003ci\u003eClori, mia Bella Clori\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e                        \u003cbr\u003e                    The performances here might lack the gloss and sophistication                     of some others, but their directness has considerable charm.                     Brilliant’s disc is fine in its way and at their super                     budget prices is certainly a good way to learn this lovely repertoire.                       \u003cbr\u003e                    \u003cbr\u003e                    -- Robert Hugill, MusicWeb International","brand":"Brilliant Classics","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":49704709095704,"sku":"5028421942308","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0687\/4346\/3192\/files\/1890390.jpg?v=1738768173","url":"https:\/\/hbdirect.com\/products\/handel-complete-cantatas-vol-3-aminta-e-fillide-hwv-83","provider":"HBDirect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}