IDOMENEO.

IDOMENEO

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

Harmonia Mundi: HMC 902036.38

Belgian conductor Rene Jacobs is working his way through the operas of Mozart for the Harmonia Mundi label. While the gifted maestro's idiosyncratic approach rouses the ire of many, these award-winning performances are nonetheless lauded for their freshness and originality. Jacobs' eagerly awaited new recording of Idomeneo, however, has proven more controversial than the earlier sets (the three Da Ponte operas and La clemenza di Tito). The major objection is to elaborate, improvised fortepiano flourishes and extended keyboard solos during the recitatives, which seem to perplex listeners and annoy critics. On the plus side, however, we now have a complete recording, with all the cuts inflicted on Mozart's score at the time of its 1781 Munich premiere restored. As with the previous releases, Jacobs has assembled an international cast of ensemble singers, including Korean soprano Sunhae Im (a youthful, silvery-voiced Ilia), Argentine mezzo Bernarda Fink (an expressive, affecting Idamante) and Bulgarian soprano Alexandrina Pendatchanska (an imposing, fiery Elettra). In the title role, Jacobs cast American tenor Richard Croft. Although he sings Idomeneo's music with elegance and technical assurance, his voice lacks the vocal heft required by the role, particularly in the demanding aria,"Fuor del mar." The splendid Freiberg Baroque Orchestra and RIAS Chamber Choir back the soloists, contributing considerably to the success of this new recording.--NC

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