Financial Times

Review of the concert performance

'Opera Rara fielded a classy central pair of singers: Laura Claycomb was the soft-edged, supple soprano, who sailed up to Cleofide's high E flats, and Jennifer Larmore's sure and defiant mezzo was ideal for rebellious Poro... Bruce Ford made an elegant Alessandro.'

Gramophone

'Once more Opera Rara chooses its ground judiciously, works on it with skill and devotion, and up springs another prize sample of a species once thought lost for ever. Until its re-emergence in concert performance at the London Coliseum in 2006, Giovanni Pacini's opera of Alexander the Great in India had not been seen or heard of since its last Italian production in 1834. Laura Claycomb is a fresh-voiced singer totally unfazed by the technical demands of her virtuoso role. As Poro, the Indian King, Jennifer Larmore is the bringer of fire, a great infuser of passion into everything she sings. Bruce Ford has the role of Alexander, great in his affections and clemency as in military might. It was a part written with a very special voice in mind, that of Antonio Nozzari, a tenor famous for his skill in coloratura and still more so for the strong baritonal quality of his low notes.'

BBC Music Magazine

'Bruce Ford (as Alessandro), Jennifer Larmore (Poro) and Laura Claycomb (Cleofide) bring their roles to vivid life, and David Parry is a persuasive conductor.'

Opera News

'Pacini has a knack for spinning attractive, long-breathed, vocally grateful phrases, within which embellishments serve expressive as well as decorative purposes. The interplay among vocal lines in his duets and ensembles looks forward to the set-pieces of Romantic opera. The composer's handling of the orchestra transcends mere utility in its exploitation of color and texture for dramatic effect. Laura Claycomb sings Cleofide in a clear, assured soprano. She can project a melting legato or strongly etched authority, as the scene requires, and she brings a nice immediacy to her recitatives. Her technical command is impressive. Jennifer Larmore projects the pants role of the warrior Poro with clear, cutting tone and incisive rhythm. She tackles the fioriture with energy and dash and her top is clean and brilliant. Bruce Ford's medium-weight tenor has a lightness and facility that permit easy access to both range extremes - the baritonal low end can take you by surprise - and he has a good feel for the shape of his embellished lines.

Bel canto fans wanting something new ought to snap this one up immediately. Opera Rara offers the usual generous support - scholarly and performance notes, in addition to a synopsis, libretto and English translation.'