A profoundly impressive Theodora from Les Arts Florissants in Amsterdam
Olga De Kort, Bachtrack
10th November 2015
...Handel’s characters found their excellent performers in Katherine Watson, Philippe Jaroussky, Krešimir Špicer and Stéphanie d’Oustrac. The pure voice of Watson is full of beauty and inner persuasion. In her duets with Didymus it blended beautifully with the tones of Jaroussky. D’Oustrac set up a forthright Irene, while Špicer portrayed a compassionate Septimus. The superbly ornamentated arias with flowing melodies were ideally suited to the vocal possibilities and timbres of the soloists. There were moments when the voices of Watson and Jaroussky were completely at one with the orchestra, growing out of it, melting with it in perfect harmonic expression. Though everybody sings in most cases about sacrifices, martyrdom and expectations of eternal life, the singers were convincing and human, without any sentimental or pathetic exaggerations in strenghening their dramatic intentions. Christie’s Theodora presents true characters with an intensive inner life...
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William Christie conductor
CAST
Katherine Watson Theodora
Stéphanie d’Oustrac Irène
Philippe Jaroussky Dydimus
Kresimir Spicer Septimus
Callum Thorpe Valens