Vivaldi
Orlando Furioso
Marie-Nicole Lemieux (Orlando), Jennifer Larmore (Alcina), Veronica Cangemi (Angelica), Philippe Jaroussky (Ruggiero), Chur Les Eléments, Ensemble Matheus/ Spinosi (Naïve Opus 111 OP30393) (3 CDs)
The enterprising Naïve label has rounded up a terrific cast under the latest Baroque superstar, Jean-Christophe Spinosi, for this first complete recording of Vivaldi's vibrant 1727 setting of Ariosto. Forget the convoluted plot; savour the passionate vocal writing and vivid orchestral colours, as the wonderful American mezzo Jennifer Larmore makes a passionate Alcina, the French-Canadian Marie-Nicole Lemieux a suitably fiery Orlando, with Veronica Cangemi and the French counter-tenor Philippe Jaroussky also in exquisite voice. Spinosi sets a cracking pace and his fine Ensemble Matheus play with fierce commitment. Stylish and scintillating, this is high Baroque as thrilling as it comes.
· To order Orlando Furioso for £22.99 with free UK p&p, call the Observer Music Service on 0870 836 0713
