'Alto Giove' was an iconic aria for me growing up. It's where I first encountered the artistry of both Les Talens Lyriques and their brilliant musical director Christophe Rousset, and also where I first heard the miraculous singing of my former teacher, countertenor Derek Lee Ragin (if you somehow don't know his work, please look him up immediately!). I remember listening to their recording of this work on the soundtrack to the film Farinelli over and over. So it was a bit terrifying to record my own version with Les Talens Lyriques over 25 years later, collaborating from 3,000 miles apart to do it. The orchestra recorded the instrumental parts from Paris and Grace Episcopal Church in Providence and Vince Edwards were so very kind to allow me to record my part in the USA. I'm conscious daily that so much of my and my colleague's work has been cancelled, so it was a huge privilege to be able to record something in this crazy period, even remotely. Fingers are crossed that my tour of Pergolesi Stabat Mater with Les Talens and Sandrine Piau in March will be allowed to proceed in some form. Until then I hope you enjoy this.
"Alto Giove", Polifemo (1735)
Nicola Porpora (1686 - 1768)
Christopher Lowrey
Les Talens Lyriques - Christophe Rousset on NomadPlay
Filmed at the Grace Episcopal church, in Providence (Rhode Island State, USA).
Special thanks to Nicky Thomas Media and to Martin Kendrick from Knight Classical.
© Knight Classical, Christopher Lowrey
Alto Giove
è tua grazia, è tuo vanto,
il gran dono di vita immortale,
che il tuo cenno sovrano mi fà.
Mighty Jove
the great gift of immortal life
that your sovereign command granted me
is your blessing and your glory.
25 янв 2021
