Handel's rarely performed opera Sosarme receives a fresh recording from Opéra Royal de Versailles under conductor Marco Angioloni. Premiered in 1732, the work has only one previous recording, from 1954, despite its emotional depth and memorable arias. Contemporary audiences welcomed it warmly, but a last-minute change of setting from medieval Portugal to mythical Lydia has hindered its reputation.
The new performance features Angioloni doubling as vocalist and conductor. Rémy Brès-Feuillet delivers a honey-toned performance in the title role, originally written for the great contralto castrato Senesino. Sarah Charles plays his beloved Elmira with a suitable soubrette quality.
Angioloni takes on the role of the rancorous king of Lydia, supported by Nicolò Balducci as his rebellious son and Éléonore Pancrazi as his hapless wife. A highlight is Giacomo Nanni as the duplicitous counsellor Altomaro; his sonorous account of 'Fra l’ombre e gl’orrori' showcases impressive vocal suppleness and power, despite the engineered sound and edgy string tone being somewhat in-your-face.
