The Cast
SOFONISBA
- Jennifer Larmore
SIFACE - Paul Nilon
MASSINISSA
- Rebecca Evans
SCIPIONE - Mirco Palazzi
LELIO - Colin Lee
OSMIDA - Lucy Crowe
Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Philharmonia Orchestra
CONDUCTOR
- Marco Guidarini
Gramophone
Editor's Choice
'Of the many attractions here not the least is the quality of the singing. Jennifer Larmore, Rebecca Evans and Paul Nilon are cast in roles which demand a high degree of virtuosity, and the pre-conditions (such as good tone, even production and an expressive handling of language) are taken for granted. All are excellent, Larmore with her forthright style well suited to this confrontational heroine, Nilon with a sympathetic timbre which can ring out brightly when needed, Evans in the unexpected role of Warrior King, summoning up reserves of power and authority. Mirco Palazzi is a dignified Scipione...
The selection certainly whets the appetite for more... One sits up in the opening bars and is kept attentive till the last. Opera Rara's advocacy of a neglected composer proves once again to be well founded.'
The Guardian
'It's dominated by Jennifer Larmore, formidable and spectacular in the title role, and by Paul Nilon, moving as her sorrowing, estranged husband. Paër curiously casts a high soprano as Sofonisba's troublesome ex: Rebecca Evans... sounds exquisitely beautiful throughout.'
MusicWeb International'In the eponymous role Jennifer Larmore, as so often, gives a typical first-rate bravura performance with her creamy tone gracing her runs and decorations. Paul Nilon sings with strength and a wide range of colour and dynamics over the exacting tessitura. In the unusual circumstance of a soprano travesti role, Rebecca Evans is a big surprise. Since I last heard her high soprano live, her voice has grown; she now brings a wide capacity for vocal colour and nuance to her tonal clarity. She has always been a good vocal characteriser and that is evinced in her portrayal here. The recording and performance in this Opera Rara issue indicate a composer who seems to me to have all the virtues of a significant bel cantoist and one whose work is worthy of the championing it gets in this issue.'
MusicOMH.com'The lovely vocal lines are supported by delicate and gentle accompaniments, Paër gave the lead role, Sofonisba, to a mezzo and her would-be lover, Massinissa to a soprano, which is unexpected but highly effective. Rebecca Evans is outstanding in the latter role and Jennifer Larmore brings beauty of tone and expressiveness to the eponymous heroine.'
