Marco Angioloni Revives Handel's Overlooked Opera Sosarme in New Versailles Recording
In a bold artistic endeavor, conductor and vocalist Marco Angioloni has spearheaded a new recording of George Frideric Handel's rarely performed opera Sosarme with the Opéra Royal de Versailles. This production, released under the Château de Versailles Spectacles label, aims to bring renewed attention to a work that has languished in relative obscurity since its 1732 premiere.
A Sleeper Among Handel's Mature Operas
Premiering in 1732, Sosarme stands as something of a sleeper within Handel's mature operatic repertoire. For decades, it has been overshadowed by the composer's more famous works, with only Anthony Lewis's 1954 recording previously available in the modern catalogue. This neglect is particularly unfortunate given the opera's emotional depth and its collection of memorable arias, which were warmly received by contemporary audiences.
However, Handel's last-minute decision to shift the setting from medieval Portugal to the mythical kingdom of Lydia—an attempt to avoid a diplomatic faux pas—has somewhat muddied the work's historical reputation. Despite this, the opera's artistic merits remain compelling and ripe for rediscovery.
Angioloni's Dual Role and the Cast's Performances
Marco Angioloni not only conducts this lightly sprung performance but also takes on a vocal role, delivering a scenery-devouring portrayal of the rancorous king of Lydia. His dual involvement adds a unique layer of interpretation to the production, though the engineered sound and occasionally edgy string tone can feel somewhat in-your-face to modern listeners.
The cast features several fine singers who bring vitality to their roles. Rémy Brès-Feuillet offers a honey-toned performance in the title role of Sosarme, originally crafted for the renowned contralto castrato Senesino. Sarah Charles provides a suitably soubrettish counterpart as his beloved Elmira, while Nicolò Balducci and Éléonore Pancrazi deliver strong performances as the rebellious son and hapless wife, respectively.
Standout Moment from Giacomo Nanni
Crowning the recording is young Italian bass Giacomo Nanni, who portrays the duplicitous counsellor Altomaro. His sonorous rendition of the aria "Fra l’ombre e gl’orrori" emerges as a particular highlight of the set. This piece is a classic example of Handel repurposing an earlier hit, and Nanni's interpretation showcases a voice of impressive suppleness and power, revealing the aria's emotional and technical complexities.
This new recording from Opéra Royal de Versailles under Angioloni's direction represents a significant step toward rehabilitating Sosarme. By presenting the work with contemporary energy and vocal excellence, it invites listeners to reconsider an opera that has long deserved a more prominent place in the Handel canon.
