Following the success of her 2011 album,
Diva Divo, mezzo-soprano
Joyce DiDonato presents an exciting collection of virtuosic arias in her 2012 release on Virgin,
Drama Queens. Drawing on royal roles in Baroque operas by
Handel,
Monteverdi, and
Haydn, as well as selections from such minor composers as
Orlandini,
Porta,
Keiser,
Hasse,
Cesti, and
Giacomelli,
DiDonato demonstrates both her impressive vocal abilities and a wide range of characterizations. Supported by the period ensemble
Il Complesso Barocco, conducted by
Alan Curtis,
DiDonato sings with dynamic power and exquisite embellishments, executing runs and ornaments with sparkling brilliance and projecting her voice with ease. But even more important than her technical prowess is her charismatic presentation of these 17th and 18th century opera heroines, whose passionate emotions and exaggerated behavior are wonderfully realized in
DiDonato's dramatic interpretations. Since Baroque opera has become something of a specialized interest of early music connoisseurs,
DiDonato's album is a welcome introduction for listeners less familiar with this period, and her faithful performances make the era come to life with appealing freshness and vitality. Highly recommended.