CD: Vivaldi: Orlando Furioso

Following the recording of Orlando Finto Pazzo last autumn, Naive's complete Vivaldi edition now turns its attention to his other opera based on Ariosto's epic poem. Orlando Furioso dates from 1727, 14 years after Vivaldi's earlier version, and was intended to rekindle the huge popularity of that first work. Marie-Nicole Lemieux sings the title role in this set, leading a trio of female principals who are well-matched both dramatically and musically. The performance has all the period awareness of the previous releases in this ambitious series, and Vivaldi freaks and baroque-opera addicts in general won't hesitate to get hold of it.