Georg Friedrich Händel

Italian Cantatas & Arias

Amanda Forsythe — soprano
Opera Prima
Cristiano Contadin — artistic leader

cpo 555 616-2

review by Lukáš M. Vytlačil

In 2025, the German classical label cpo released a recording devoted to a selection of chamber works by George Frideric Handel (catalogue number cpo 555 616-2). As the title already implies, the programme focuses mainly on solo cantatas and arias for soprano. At its heart are the cantatas Armida abbandonata, HWV 105, Agrippina condotta a morire, HWV 110, and several excerpts from the oratorio Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno, HWV 46a. These vocal pieces are complemented by two instrumental works: the Sinfonia in B flat major, HWV 339, and the Trio Sonata in A major, Op. 5 no. 1, HWV 396.

The leading performer on the recording is the American soprano Amanda Forsythe, whose contribution, however, may not fully convince all listeners. The main issue lies in technical difficulties that have an audible impact on the vocal result. Most noticeable is a sense of constriction in the throat, producing a rather narrow sound, particularly in the upper register, where the tone can become sharp and somewhat uniform in colour. As a consequence, the singing lacks the flexibility that Handel’s music so often demands. Occasional intonation problems can also be heard, again seemingly linked to these technical limitations.

On the positive side, Forsythe clearly strives for a dramatic shaping of the cantatas, and her commitment to the expressive delivery of the Italian text is evident. Even so, clarity of diction inevitably suffers in the higher range. Her ornamentation in several arias is imaginative, and the coloratura passages in “Un pensiero nemico di pace” from Il trionfo del tempo are handled with assurance. These moments suggest that her artistic potential is certainly present, though it would benefit from a technical approach that allows for better vocal freedom.

A more consistently satisfying impression is made by the ensemble Opera Prima, directed by the gambist Cristiano Contadin. This small chamber group of strings with harpsichord plays with unity and stylistic confidence. The one-to-a-part scoring creates welcome transparency and leaves ample space for the soprano line. Tempi are well judged, instrumental solos are neatly shaped, and the ornamentation is stylish and effective. A more nuanced approach to articulation might have added further refinement, as this aspect remains somewhat general and functional rather than finely detailed.

Taken as a whole, the recording leaves a mixed overall impression. While it contains several appealing and well-crafted moments, listeners with a particular interest in Handel’s cantatas may well find other recordings that offer a more compelling and artistically persuasive interpretation of this repertoire.

Links

• Disc on the website of the British retailer Presto Music.
• Website of Amanda Forsythe.
• Lukáš M. Vytlačil on Wikipedia.