Review by Philip Jarowski – The Forgotten Arias

The conceptual framework for this anthology of late Baroque opera arias and two concert pieces presented in Le Concert de la Loge are librettos by the historical librettist Pietro Metastasio. However, for the French countertenor, the music is of course what matters first and foremost. This means that each piece becomes a jewel. Philip Jarowski is gradually moving away from his stratospheric singing career. His timbre, which becomes a little whiter, shines here above all in the excessive range of woods from the bel canto lining of Johann Christian Bach and Niccolò Gommelli. The way Jarowski takes on the beguiling, multi-faceted song sequences is not only a perfect synthesis of voice, technique and skill, but also an artistic game with a sensitivity and gravity acquired from long experience. Jarowski confidently draws scenes of hero and lover from the transition to early classicism.

Forgotten Arias
Works by Gluck, Hasse, J.C. Bach, Bernasconi, Piccini, Ferrandini and others

Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor), Le Concert de la Loge, Julien Chauvin (conductor)
Erato

Philip Jarowski

French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky certainly did not want to share the fate of many opera singers of being reduced to just a few roles. He also recognizes the limited nature of the countertenor’s head voice -…continue