Male soprano
Philippe Jaroussky edges into the Classical period with arias by Johann Christian Bach. While he is fully secure in this repertoire -- with typically immaculate and imaginative musicianship, impeccable intonation, and remarkable versatility -- these arias don't offer the same dazzling virtuosic agility as his performances of Vivaldi or the heated emotional intensity of his Monteverdi. Nonetheless,
Jaroussky fans who can amend their expectations, and anyone who loves the music of J.C. Bach, should be delighted by this recording.
Jaroussky is the consummate dramatic singer, finding and highlighting the theatrical urgency of the arias. There is obvious affection for and commitment to this music, marked by passion, whether tenderly yearning or furious.
Jérémie Rhorer leads
Le Cercle de l'Harmonie in exceptionally supple, graceful, and colorful performances of this music. Virgin's sound is open, clean, and lifelike.