CLEOFIDE

Scenes and Arias

Text: Michelangelo Boccardi nach / after Pietro Metastasio

Emma Kirkby (Cleofide / soprano), Agnes Mellon (Erissena / soprano), Randall K. Wong (Gandarte / soprano), Derek Lee Ragin (Poro / alto), Dominique Visse
(Alessandro / alto), David Cordier (Timagene / alto), Rheinische K Antorei, Cappella Coloniensis, William Christie

In the 80’s, the Cappella Coloniensis succeeded in attracting renowned conductor and Baroque opera specialist William Christie to collaborate on a studio recording of Johann Adolf Hasse’s opera Cleofide. Christie readily accepted the invitation by the WDR [the West German Broadcasting Corporation] to work with the Cappella Coloniensis and the result was a highly praised, award-winning recording that set high standards for the interpretation of Baroque opera literature.

The recording features a stunning cast hand picked from the ‘crème de la crème’ of virtuoso Baroque opera singers. Emma Kirkby, Agnès Mellon, Randall K. Wong, Derek Lee Ragin, Dominique Visse and David Cordier lead the ensemble to convey the game of love, power, jealously, and morale to the listener in such a breath-taking manner.

For the first time, highlights from Cleofide have been put together for Phoenix Edition.