TRACKLISTING
Decca's recording is of the original 1711 version.

RECORDING INFORMATION

Decca continues its rich operatic tradition with a new recording of Handel's Rinaldo — containing all the ingredients to become an instant classic. The star cast is headlined by mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and countertenor David Daniels; they are partnered with The Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Christopher Hogwood.

The opera includes the heart-stopping aria "Lascia ch'io pianga" (sung by Bartoli), as well as many more wonderful arias divided amongst the other stellar cast members including Gerald Finley, Luba Orgonasova and Bernarda Fink.

Cecilia Bartoli has been exploring and revitalising Baroque repertoire over the last several years and this new recording of Handel's opera Rinaldo is the latest to receive her special touch. She performed this work with Hogwood in Europe during 1999, and teamed up with Daniels to perform Rinaldo in London last year. The critics were unstinting in their praise:

"Cecilia Bartoli came into her own as Almirena, stopped the show with 'Lascia ch'io pianga' and never looked back"
The Times (UK)

"David Daniels is more than just a great counter-tenor; he is simply a great singer"
The Times (UK)

The opera
Rinaldo was Handel's first opera written for London audiences and is the most frequently revived of his operas. It is based on episodes from Torquato Tasso's epic poem La Gerusalemme liberata, a fantastically elaborated account of the First Crusade. It is a dramatic and varied work, brilliantly orchestrated, and brings great emotional depth and range to the characters.