Sicilienne
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.
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.’
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.

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.'
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
9 September 2010