Gioconda de Vito plays Beethoven, Bach, Handel and Viotti

Too hot to Handel!

Advantages: Fleming is sublime, well sung throughout
Disadvantages: Live recording is slightly noticeable in places

Despite being one of the most prolific composers of opera and very successful in his own time, Handel operas have remained largely neglected in the operatic repertoire until fairly recently with the Handel revival that began in the '60s. Because of this, if you're looking for recordings of Handel operas there are often not too many to choose from and to my knowledge there are only 3 recordings available of Alcina: one with Joan Sutherland in the title role, one with Renee Fleming, and one with Arleen Auger. I am eagerly awaiting the release this month of another recording with Joyce DiDonato in the title role - possibly an unorthodox choice as a mezzo soprano, but one of my favourite singers. Alcina tells the story of a sorceress (Alcina herself) who seduces every man who dares to set foot on her island. However, Alcina is fickle ...

bubblegum_princess 30.03.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Handel: Alcina

DeVito Didn't Do It For Me!

Advantages: A Few small Laughs
Disadvantages: Was Lacking in any real comedy

On one of my usual visits to EBay looking for bargain DVD?s I came across this one and thought it was bound to be good as it stars Diddy Danny DeVito. I have to say that the back cover of the DVD case says that this film is ?Crazy, Laugh out loud, genuinely hysterical? but I did not find this. The plot of the film is about Kevin, played by Martin Lawrence, who is a thief and makes his money from stealing from rich people but when he meets a girl he falls for her and when she gives him her father ring to wear he is totally smitten with her. We are also introduced to Max Fairbanks, played by Danny DeVito, who is a very rich business man. He is facing bankruptcy and struggling to keep his money and business. Kevin and Max meet when Kevin is stealing from his mansion house which Max is not allowed to be in and Kevin interrupts Max ...

sewbizzie 03.03.2009 · Read full review
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Review of What's The Worst That Could Happen? (DVD)

Back to back Bach.

Advantages: Beautiful relaxing music. Rich instrumentation. Played with passion.
Disadvantages: Not all instruments are from the period.

and prettiest of the Brandenburg concertos - and probably is. The harpsichord, normally playing continuo under the melody, suddenly rises to stunning solo prominence in the fifth. Played magnificently by George Malcolm, the effective is superlative. In the final Brandenburg concerto, Bach leaves out the violins (a unique action for a baroque composer), using lower strings only. Menuhin also takes the first viola leading the orchestra in a richness and profound sound that evoke a deep whirlwind-sensation of emotions. The Marquis of Brandenburg may not have appreciated this, Bach's gift of six concertos, but I certainly do. Bach gave the world a gift to treasure for all time. Yehudi Menuhin, George Malcolm, Christopher and Richard Taylor and the rest of the Bath Festival Orchestra perform them with heart-felt passion. It may not be ...

MAFARRIMOND 13.04.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Bach: Brandenburg Concertos