Contra-Tenor (CD) – Michael Spyres

Composers: Various
Artists: Michael Spyres, Il Pomo d’Oro
Conductor: Francesco Corti
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Erato
Release Date: March 4, 2023

Michael Spyres’s new album, recorded with the fabulous Il Pomo d’Oro under Francesco Corti, features works by Handel, Hasse, Mazzoni, Pergolesi, Porpora, Sarro, Scarlatti, Vinci, Vivaldi, and more – spanning even to Mozart. 

“The birth and evolution of Opera transubstantiated the “tenor” from its humble etymological origin (“holder” of the tune) into the most virtuosic and uncategorizable of all the voices. Contra-Tenor – intended as a foil and prequel to my recent Baritenor – showcases composers who were drivers of the tenor’s evolution (and that of opera as a whole), through arias including three world-premiere recordings. The staggering demands of this music shed light on the forgotten, superhuman tenore assoluti, who for the first time furnished opera composers with the voice combining the virility, virtuosity and dramatic power required to do justice to their kings and demigods.” – Michael Spyres

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