Farinello's Favourite Songs

Track Listings

1. Nicolo Porpora - Sposa non mi conosci

2. Carlo Broschi - Al dolor che vo sfogando

3. Riccardo Broschi - Son qual nave ch'agitata

4. Attilio Ariosti - Fortunate passate mie pene

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Singer and musicologist Nella Anfuso (Contralto and soprano 3-octave range 25-trills with one breath) represents in our time the Renaissance of the golden age of vocal art (16th-18th centuries)

Album Description
This double CD is technically the greatest interpretation of the history of recordings: Nella Anfuso sings in both contralto and soprano and realizes the transcendental virtuosity of Farinello (based for example on 25 trills performed in a single breath): trilli calati (falling), trilli cresciuti (rising,) trilli raddoppiati (double), messe dl voce, canto di sbalzo, agilità martellata, and also the "pathetic song" much loved by Tosi. For the first time are performed cadenzas and original "fiorituras" by Farinello.

Tracks:

Nicolo Porpora - Sposa non mi conosci
Carlo Broschi - Al dolor che vo sfogando
Riccardo Broschi - Son qual nave ch'agitata
Attilio Ariosti - Fortunate passate mie pene

Album Description

This double CD is technically the greatest interpretation of the history of recordings: Nella Anfuso sings in both contralto and soprano and realizes the transcendental virtuosity of Farinello (based for example on 25 trills performed in a single breath): trilli calati (falling), trilli cresciuti (rising,) trilli raddoppiati (double), messe dl voce, canto di sbalzo, agilità martellata, and also the "pathetic song" much loved by Tosi. For the first time are performed cadenzas and original "fiorituras" by Farinello.

Customer Reviews:

"This double CD is technically the greatest interpretation of the history of recordings?" I beg to differ.......2007-04-24

I am somehow unimpressed at the claim that Nella Anfuso can sing "25 trills on one breath," mostly because I studied baroque and early music for four years and have no idea what it means. Does that mean that her trills contain 25 notes? Or does it mean that her breath control is so astounding that she can literally sing a trill 25 times without stopping for air? But how long are these trills? Is it 25 trills with 25 notes each? Who cares? Certainly not me--any barnyard animal could make the same claim and it still wouldn't motivate me to purchase a CD of them singing baroque music. Although come to think of it, a sheep bleating out "Sposa non mi conosci" would still be preferable to this "musicologist's" bleating of the same aria, plus six more. This is anti-music.

And as far as early music practices go, to call this authentic is laughable. I can picture Emma Kirkby, David Thomas, Paul Hillier, and the younger generation, such as Vivica Genaux (who the previous reviewer quite rightly offered as an alternative to this), Simone Kermes, Sandrine Piau, and many more, being quite insulted that this woman presents herself as an authentic singer. Of course, we have no idea how people really sounded back in the day, but it's my guess they didn't sound like foghorns, only with more vibrato.

Two discs, seven arias. We're talkin' SLOW here..........2005-09-15

I'm not quite sure this is quite what it appears to be: yet another vanity production by a questionably gifted singer celebrating the vocal prowess of Farinelli. Nella Anfuso has recorded extensively, if the liner notes are to be believed, so she's definitely not an amateur. Hoever, the harrowing technical demands of these pieces make her sound like one.

Just to set the record straight, I'm not one of those musicologico/authenticity geeks that believes music written for castrati must be sung by men in order to achieve the proper effect. On the contrary, I prefer a powerful, technically competent and musically sensitive female voice over many of the weaker countertenors that have appeared recently. Angelo Manzotti's recording of most of the same material is downright painful to my ears, while Vivica Genaux's Farinelli disc is a delight -- absolutely thrilling singing from an A-list singer.

The present product contains only seven arias between two discs. A comparison of the times reveals that Ms. Anfuso's tempos are about half that of Ms. Genaux's. I can only assume that this is because she is unable to fire off sixteenth note passages vivace -- or even allegro. She can manage andante, and this is what she does for all of the music.

Her voice is rich, a little soft, and it sounds good throughout her three-octave range. Much of the phrasing is akward, as if she's sidestepping many of the vocal hurdles that are thrown her way. The notes boast that she is able to sing 25 trills in one breath, just like Farinelli! I thought her trilling to be more like stacatto tremolo. The overall effect is that of a pidgeon cooing while a string orchesta is playing baroque funeral marches in the background.

I'm not trying to be mean. I believe you will be disappointed if you purchase these discs. For a few dollars less, you can buy "Arias for Farinelli" as sung by the lovely Alaskan mezzo Vivica Genaux, and you will be far more satisfied.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

The Kings Are Here/Amazon Beach

Zimmermann: Symphonia Sacra 1995 - "Sinfonie des Lichts"

You Sleigh Me: Alternative Christmas Hits

Standard Time / Different Stages (2 CD SET)

Rock Music rock-music-08

Your Pops Don't Like Me [CD-single] [Enhanced]

Young Man, Older Woman: The Cast Album (1993 Studio Cast) [Cast Recording] [Cast Recording]

Weber: Quintet in Bf; Concerto for clarinet No1

Why Don't You Just Rock! [Import]

Women's Voices: Five Centuries of Song

What She Wants

Viento, Brisa y Tu Recuerdo

Tu Eres Mia

Atlantic Blues: Chicago

Swinging Mister Lunceford

1. Nicolo Porpora - Sposa non mi conosci
2. Carlo Broschi - Al dolor che vo sfogando
3. Riccardo Broschi - Son qual nave ch'agitata
4. Attilio Ariosti - Fortunate passate mie pene