Vivaldi – L’Olimpiade | René Clemencic | Clemencic Consort | United Classics (2CD)

Product Details

UPC: 8713545221374  
Label / Brand: United Classics / Nuova Era  
Format: 2 × CD (Complete Opera Recording)  
Genre: Opera – Dramma per Musica  
Recording Year: 1990  
Release / License: 2013, M.A.T. Music Theme Licensing Ltd / T2 International BV  
MNB: T2CD2012137  
Country of Manufacture: EU

Overview

Antonio Vivaldi’s L’Olimpiade (1734) is one of the composer’s most celebrated dramma per musica works, showcasing his genius for vocal writing and dramatic pacing.

This United Classics / Nuova Era edition, recorded in 1990, presents the complete three-act opera with an outstanding cast, featuring Gerard Lesne, Elisabeth von Magnus, Mieke van der Sluis, Andrew Walker Schultze, Aris Christoffelis, William Oberholtzer, and Lucia Meeuwsen.

Under the direction of René Clemencic with the Clemencic Consort and Ensemble Vocal La Cappella, the performance captures both the elegance and intensity of Vivaldi’s score, bringing to life one of the greatest libretti of the 18th century, written by Pietro Metastasio.

Cast & Performers

• Clistene (King of Clistene): Andrew Walker Schultze (bass)
• Aristea (his daughter): Lucia Meeuwsen (mezzo-soprano)
• Argene (in love with Licida): Elisabeth von Magnus (mezzo-soprano)
• Megacle (athlete, friend of Licida): Mieke van der Sluis (soprano)
• Licida (Prince, in love with Aristea): Gerard Lesne (countertenor)
• Aminta (friend of Licida): Aris Christoffelis (soprano)
• Alcandro (confidant of Clistene): William Oberholtzer (bass)

Ensemble Vocal La Cappella Clemencic Consort Conductor: René Clemencic

Product Features

• Complete opera in 3 acts by Antonio Vivaldi
• Based on Pietro Metastasio’s renowned libretto
• Historically informed performance with period instruments
• Recorded in 1990 with the Clemencic Consort
• World-class vocal cast, featuring countertenor Gerard Lesne
• Deluxe 2-CD set with full libretto

Track Listing (Highlights)

(Full detailed scene and aria listing included in booklet)

CD 1

• Sinfonia
• Act I: Recitatives and arias introducing Clistene, Aristea, Licida, and Megacle
• Key arias: “Mentre dormi, Amor fomenti” (Licida), “Un certo non so che” (Megacle)

CD 2

• Act II & III highlights
• Duets and confrontations between Argene, Megacle, and Licida
• Climactic arias: “Gemo in un punto e fremo” (Megacle), “Se cerca, se dice” (Aristea)
• Final chorus: “O degli uomini padre”

Interesting Facts

• Vivaldi composed L’Olimpiade in 1734 for the Teatro Sant’Angelo in Venice.
• The libretto by Metastasio became one of the most frequently set texts of the 18th century, inspiring over 60 different operas.
• The work’s themes of love, friendship, and betrayal are set against the backdrop of the ancient Olympic Games.
• Gerard Lesne’s performance as Licida is considered one of the highlights of late 20th-century countertenor singing.

Publishers

Published by United Classics / Nuova Era under license from M.A.T. Music Theme Licensing Ltd / T2 International BV (2013).

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