A number of recent DECCA recordings of Baroque repertory have benefited
from the playing of Armonia Atenea and the conducting of George Petrou,
but their work in this "Arminio" sets new standards for performances of
Händel's operas . . . the orchestra's efforts serve as a catalyst to the
opera's drama, not just an accompaniment . . . a whirring, invigorating
performance that honors the best elements of historically-informed
performance practices without compromising listeners' enjoyment with the
acerbic sounds, faltering intonation, and exaggerated rhythms that
constitute the worst aspects of period-appropriate methods . . . The
singers truly perform the opera: in recitatives, here rendered as
engagingly as on any recording of a Baroque opera, they seem to listen
to one another, something that too few singers bother to do even in
staged performances. Whether the music being sung is by Händel or Henze,
opera is a team sport. With Max Emanuel Cencic and George Petrou as its
co-captains and a team of all-stars playing all positions, this
"Arminio" never misses an opportunity to score. (Joseph Newsome)
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