Handel: Semele Highlights

Handel's "Semele" is a fascinating work. Handel wasted none of his enormous talents on this piece, considered by some a secular oratorio or a "bawdy" opera. Filled with inventive arias, expressive recitatives and sprightly choruses, it is a worthwhile addition to any Baroque lover's CD collection. Here's the problem...Norma Burrowes in the title role. She has a nice instrument, but her vowels are so horrible that they cause the majority of her singing (especially in the upper register) to be out of tune. Though she is at ease with the demands of the role- punishing coloratura and range- the intonation is a constant bother. Fortunately, the rest of the cast is stellar. Anthony Rolfe Johnson is a treasure...his readings of "Where e'er you walk" and "Come to my arms" are models of stylish and expressive singing. The mezzo roles of Ino and Juno are split between two singers, an unusual casting choice. Both singers rip up their recitatives and arias. The Monteverdi Choir is, as always, pinpoint accurate and dramatically appropriate. John Eliot Gardiner leads the proceedings at a nice, restrained clip. The bottom line is that I would reccomend the Nelson complete recording with the unbeatable Kathleen Battle and a cast of American all-stars over AND buying this highlights disc for the excellent choral singing and Anthony Rolfe Johnson.