Gismondo, Re di Polonia
🏆 Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics' Award)
Awarded 2020
Album Description
Leonardo Vinci's Gismondo, re di Polonia, first performed at Rome's Teatro delle Dame in 1727, is a masterpiece of Baroque opera seria that defies established conventions. Its libretto, with family relationships full of psychological complexity and occult practices, revolves around an unpredictable despot who pushes the world to the brink through erratic impulses and superstitious rituals. The plot interweaves negotiated peace, forbidden love, and courtly intrigue in the Polish-Lithuanian court of Sigismund II. This world premiere recording features a star-studded cast led by countertenor Max Emanuel Cencic in the title role, with Nicholas Tamagna as Ermano, accompanied by the historically-informed {oh!} Orkiestra Historyczna under Martyna Pastuszka. Winner of the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik.
Press
Ein neuer Volltreffer des vielseitigen Countertenors Max Emanuel Cencic... Mit vier sehr unterschiedlichen Countertenören... entzündet Konzertmeisterin Martyna Pastuszka die reiche melodische Erfindung Leonardo Vincis, ohne die stringente Dramatik der Geschichte aus dem Blick zu verlieren.
Ermano führt sich erst im letzten Akt mit der stürmischen Arie 'Son come cervo misero' ein und Tamagna kann hier mit seiner resoluten, angenehm timbrierten Stimme für sich einnehmen. Translation: Ermano only introduces himself in the last act with the stormy aria 'Son come cervo misero' and Tamagna can win over the listener here with his resolute, pleasantly timbred voice.
Nicholas Tamagna's Ermano is possibly the brightest star in this ensemble's constellation of brilliant stars with his gorgeous tone, thrilling vibrato throughout his astoundingly wide range, and flawless coloratura.