In the realm of classical music, Ian Bostridge stands as a beacon of vocal prowess and artistic integrity. With "The Three Baroque Tenors," released in 2010 under Warner Classics, Bostridge pays homage to the legendary tenors of the Baroque era, Annibale Pio Fabri, Francesco Borosini, and Giovanni Carestini. This album is a testament to Bostridge's versatility and deep understanding of the Baroque repertoire, featuring a collection of arias that showcase his technical skill and expressive range.
Spanning a duration of one hour and six minutes, the album comprises fifteen tracks that encapsulate the essence of Baroque vocal music. From the dramatic arias of Handel's "Hercules" and "Tamerlano" to the lyrical beauty of Vivaldi's "Arsilda" and "Ipermestra," each piece is a masterclass in Baroque composition and performance. Bostridge's rendition of "Rise, Glory, rise in all thy Charms" from Thomas Arne's "Rosamond" is particularly noteworthy, highlighting his ability to infuse each note with nuance and depth.
The album also features works by lesser-known composers such as Giovanni Battista Conti, Giovanni Maria Ruggeri, and Giovanni Alberto Ristori, providing a comprehensive overview of the Baroque tenor repertoire. Bostridge's collaboration with conductor Bernard Labadie and The English Concert ensures that the music is performed with historical accuracy and musical sensitivity.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a casual listener, "The Three Baroque Tenors" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Ian Bostridge's impeccable technique, combined with his profound musical insight, makes this album a standout in his discography and a celebration of the Baroque tenor tradition.
Conti: Don Chisciotte in Sierra Morena: Aria, "Qui sto appeso eil ciel sa quando" (Don Chisciotte)Francesco Bartolomeo Conti, Ian Bostridge, Bernard Labadie, The English Concert
Handel: Hercules, HWV 60, Act 1: Air. "Where congeal's the northern streams" (Hyllus)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Hercules, HWV 60, Act 2: Air. "From coelestial seats descending" (Hyllus)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Vivaldi: Arsilda, regina di Ponto, RV 700: "La tiranna e avversa sorte" (Tamese)Antonio Vivaldi, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Gasparini: Il Bajazet, Act 1 Scene 1: No. 1, Aria, "Forte e lieto a morte andrei" (Bajazet)Francesco Gasparini, Ian Bostridge, Bernard Labadie, The English Concert
Handel: Tamerlano, HWV 18, Act 1: Aria. "Forte e lieto a morte andrei" (Bajazet)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Arne: Rosamond: Aria, "Rise, Glory, rise in all thy Charms" (King Henry)Thomas Arne, Ian Bostridge, Bernard Labadie, The English Concert
Caldara: Joaz: Aria, "Lo so, lo so, con periglio" (Azaria)Antonio Caldara, Ian Bostridge, Bernard Labadie, The English Concert
Handel: Poro, re dell'Indie, HWV 28, Act 2: Aria. "D'un barbaro scortese" (Alessandro)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Scarlatti, A: Marco Attilio Regolo: Aria. "Se non sà qual vento il guida"Alessandro Scarlatti, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, Act 2: Aria. "Scorta siate a passi miei" (Sesto)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Vivaldi: L'Atenaide, RV 702: "Ti stringo in quest' amplesso" (Leontino)Antonio Vivaldi, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Vivaldi: Ipermestra, RV 722: "Sazierò col morir mio" (Danao)Antonio Vivaldi, Ian Bostridge, The English Concert, Bernard Labadie
Boyce: Solomon, A Serenata: No. 23, Air, "Softly arise, O Southern breeze!" (A Man) - No. 24, Chorus, "Ye Southern breezes!"William Boyce, Ian Bostridge, Bernard Labadie, The English Concert
Galliard: The Royal Chace: Aria, "With early horn salute the morn" (The Royal Hunter)John Ernst Galliard, Ian Bostridge, Bernard Labadie, The English Concert