Erato recently issued Handel's opera Alcina conducted by William Christie.
One of the most interesting aspects of the set is that the primary female
vocal soloists are not well known in the Baroque category.  Renee Fleming,
Susan Graham, and Natalie Dessay have carved their reputations in other
categories.  So, I was greatly anticipating hearing how each of them
adjusted to the Baroque idiom.

Graham and Fleming do well, but they aren't special at all.  That
distinction belongs to Natalie Dessay.  Her singing is gorgeous, youthful,
and fully idiomatic (she insures a proper proportion in relation to the
orchestra).  I was also impressed with her recent disc of Mozart arias.  I
suppose there's a reason why Fleming appears to be considered the leading
soprano vocalist currently active; I just haven't figured it out yet.
Maybe I should get one of her Strauss discs.

Don Satz
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