George Frideric Handel (1685-1759): Fernando

(original version of Sosarme)

Virgin Classics 0946 3 65483-2 6, 2007 (2 CDs)

CD 1 (71'53): Ouverture, Act I, Act II
CD 2:(77'26): Act II, Act III


DRAMATIS PERSONAE:

Fernando, King of Castile,
contracted in marriage to Elvida:
Lawrence Zazzo (countertenor)
Elvida, Daughter of King Dionisio: Veronique Cangemi (soprano)
Dionisio, King of Portugal: Filippo Adami (tenor)
Isabella, his queen: Marianna Pizzolato (mezzo-soprano)
Alfonso, their son: Neal Banerjee ([high] tenor)
Sancio, the natural son of Dionisio: Max Emanuel Cencic (countertenor)
Altomaro, counsellor
and fovourite of Dionisio:
Antonio Abete (bass)

Sosarme:
Fernando->Sosarme
Elvida->Elmira
Dionisio->Haliate
Isabella->Erenice
Alfonso->Argone
Sancio->Melo
Altomaro->Altomaro

Max Emanuel Cencic has the following arias:
Sì, sì, minaccia (CD 1 [15])
So ch'il Ciel ben spesso gode (CD 1 [31])
Sincero affetto (CD 2 [17])


Il Complesso Barocco (on period instruments):
2 trumpets, 2 horns, 2 oboes+flutes, bassoon, strings & b.c.

Direction: Alan Curtis

Recording: April 20-28, 2005, Sankt Gallen, Tonhalle